Analysis for optimal decisions on turning Ti–6Al–4V with Taguchi–grey method

The problem of machining titanium is one of the ever-increasing magnitudes due to its low thermal conductivity and work-hardening characteristic. In the present work, experimental studies have been carried out to obtain the optimum conditions for machining titanium alloy. The effect of machining parameters such as speed, feed, depth of cut and back rake angle on cutting force, and surface roughness were investigated. The significance of these parameters, on cutting force and surface roughness, has been established using the analysis of variance. The degree of influence of each process parameter on individual performance characteristic was analyzed from the experimental results obtained using the grey relational grade matrix. The back rake angle was identified as the most influential process parameter on cutting force and surface roughness. The cutting speed is identified as the most significant parameter for the turning operation according to the weighted sum grade of the cutting force and surface roughness.