Taguchi method based optimisation of drilling parameters in drilling of AISI 316 steel with PVD monolayer and multilayer coated HSS drills

This paper focuses on the optimisation of drilling parameters using the Taguchi technique to obtain minimum surface roughness (Ra) and thrust force (Ff). A number of drilling experiments were conducted using the L16 orthogonal array on a CNC vertical machining centre. The experiments were performed on AISI 316 stainless steel blocks using uncoated and coated M35 HSS twist drills under dry cutting conditions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to determine the most significant control factors affecting the surface roughness and thrust force. The cutting tool, cutting speed and feed rate were selected as control factors. After the sixteen experimental trials, it was found that the cutting tool was the most significant factor on the surface roughness and that the feed rate was the most significant factor on the thrust force. The results of the confirmation experiments showed that the Taguchi method was notably successful in the optimisation of drilling parameters for better surface roughness and thrust force.

► Uncoated, TiN, Nano TiAlN and TiAlN/TiN coated drills were used in the experiments. ► It was found that the cutting tool was the most significant factor on Ra. ► It was found that the feed rate was the most significant factor on Ff. ► Ra and Ff values were obtained using optimal parameters at 95% confidence level. ► Taguchi method was notably successful in optimisation of the drilling parameters.