Performance studies of multilayer hard surface coatings (TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiN) of indexable carbide inserts in hard machining: Part-II (RSM, grey relational and techno economical approach)

This paper presents the mathematical modelling and parametric optimization on flank wear and surface roughness based on response surface methodology and grey-based Taguchi method in finish hard turning of AISI 4340 steel (HRC 47 +/- 1) using multilayer coated carbide (TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiN) insert under dry environment. The economical feasibility of utilizing multilayer TiN coated carbide insert has been described. Model adequacy has been checked using correlation coefficients. From main effect, it is evident that, cutting speed is the most significant factor for flank wear followed by depth of cut and feed. Again, feed is the most significant factor for surface roughness followed by cutting speed and depth of cut. The coefficient of determination (R-2) is more than 75% for RSM models developed, which shows the high correlation exist between the experimental and predicted values. The experimental vs. predicted values of flank wear and surface roughness (Ra and Rz) are also found to be very close to each other implying significance of models developed. The improvement of grey relational grade from initial parameter combination (d2-f3-v4) to the optimal parameter combination (d1-f1-v3) is found to be 0.3093 using grey relational analysis coupled with Taguchi method for simultaneous optimization of responses. Flank wear (VBc) and surface roughness parameters (Ra and Rz) are decreased 1.9, 2.32 and 1.5 times respectively considering optimal parametric combinations for multi-responses. The calculated total machining cost per part is only Rs. 3.17 due to higher tool life (47 min at their optimal level) of multilayer TiN coated carbide insert. It brings to the reduction of downtime and increases the savings. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.