In the current manufacturing scenario, conventional machining processes
play a broad role in manufacturing composite materials. In this research work, an end
milling operation was carried out on reinforced epoxy granite composites. Experiments
based on aggregate type, fiber content, spindle speed, and feed rate were performed
using the Taguchi method. By undergoing a multi-level design, the L27 orthogonal
array of Taguchi was obtained. Based on this design of experiment, an end milling
operation was performed on prepared epoxy granite samples. The response constraints
such as thrust force and surface roughness values were measured by appropriate
measuring instruments. The outcome of system constraints was optimized based on
response constraints. The optimization was performed through the multi-attribute
decision-making technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution. The
ideal process constraints of spindle speed and feed rate were found 1200rpm and
60mm/min, respectively, which produce a better surface finish with minimal thrust
force. Analysis of variance was used to verify the influence of process constraints on
outcome response.
Keywords: ANOVA, End Milling, Epoxy Granite, Machining, Orthogonal Array, Polymer Composite, S/N Ratio, Spindle Speed, Surface Roughness, Taguchi Method, TOPSIS, Thrust Force.
