Title: An investigation into the ultrasonic machining of co-based super alloy using the Taguchi approach

Authors: Vinod Kumar, J.S. Khamba

Addresses: Mechanical Engg. Department, Thapar University Patiala, Punjab, 147004 India. ' Mechanical Engg. Department, University College of Engineering, Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India

Abstract: This paper determines the effectiveness of the ultrasonic machining process with Stellite 6 in terms of the material removal rate and surface finish quality of the workpiece produced. Stellite 6 is the most generally useful cobalt alloy, having excellent resistance to many forms of mechanical and chemical degradation over a wide temperature range. Practical aspects are given on the characteristics of Stellite 6 as functions, type of abrasive slurry, their size and concentration, nature of tool material, and power rating of the machine. The optimum combination of various input factors for the ductile chip formation in the machining of Stellite 6 has been determined by applying the Taguchi multi-objective optimisation technique and F-test. The analysis of results has been done using the statistica 7.0 software and results obtained are validated by conducting the confirmation experiments. The results show the considerable improvement in multiple S/N ratios as compared to initial cutting conditions.

Keywords: ultrasonic machining; Taguchi methods; ceramic composites; design of experiments; DOE; surface quality; material removal rate; surface finish; super alloys; cobalt alloys; ductile chip formation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMM.2010.033068

International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials, 2010 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.230 - 243

Published online: 07 May 2010 *

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