Optimization and characterization of EDM of AA 6061/10%Al2O3 AMMC using Taguchi's approach and utility concept

In the present study a multi response optimization method using utility concept is proposed for electrical discharge machining (EDM) of AA 6061/10% Al2O3 AMMC. In the present study the required material is fabricated using stir casting process and characterization is done using SEM and EDX. The machining characteristics that are being investigated are material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), surface roughness (SR) and overcut (OC) along with surface topography of the drilled holes. Taguchi's L27 orthogonal array design is used for experimentation. The Investigation indicated that material removal rate, tool wear rate, overcut and surface roughness increases with increase in pulse-on time and peak current. But duty factor has less effect on these responses. Multi-response optimization with utility concept provides the collective optimization of both responses for improving the mean of the process.