Optimization of cutting parameters on delamination based on Taguchi method during drilling of GFRP composite

Drilling of glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite is substantially different from metallic materials due to its mechanical properties. The drilling of this material may generate delamination of drilled holes on workpiece. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of the cutting parameters, such as cutting speed and feed rate, and point angle on delamination produced when drilling a GFRP composite. The damage generated associated with drilling GFRP composites were observed, both at the entrance and the exit during the drilling. Hence it is essential to obtain optimum cutting parameters minimizing delamination at drilling of GFRP composites. Moreover, this paper presents the application of Taguchi method and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for minimization of delamination influenced by drilling parameters and drill point angle. The optimum drilling parameter combination was obtained by using the analysis of signal-to-noise ratio. The conclusion revealed that feed rate and cutting speed were the most influential factor on the delamination, respectively. The best results of the delamination were obtained at lower cutting speeds and feed rates. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.