Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Optimum selection of abrasive flow machining conditions during fine finishing of Al/15 wt% SiC-MMC using Taguchi method

  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE
  • Published:
The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Abrasive flow machining (AFM) is gaining widespread application finishing process on difficult to reach surfaces in aviation, automobile, and tooling industry. Al/SiCp-MMC is a promising material in these industries. Here, AFM has been used to finish conventionally machined cylindrical surface of Al/15 wt% SiCp-MMC workpiece. This paper presents the utilization of robust design-based Taguchi method for optimization of AFM parameters. The influences of AFM process parameters on surface finish and material removal have been analyzed. Taguchi experimental design concept, L18 (61 × 37) mixed orthogonal array is used to determine the S/N ratio and optimize the AFM process parameters. Analysis of variance and F test values also indicates the significant AFM parameters affecting the finishing performance. The mathematical models for R a, R t, ΔR a, and ΔR t and material removal are established to investigate the influence of AFM parameters. Conformation test results verify the effectiveness of these models and optimal parametric combination within the considered range. Scanning electron micrographs testifies the effectiveness of AFM process in fine finishing of Al/15 wt% SiCp-MMC.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Allison JE, Cole GS (1993) Metal matrix composite in automotive industry: opportunities and challenges. JOM 45:19–24

    Google Scholar 

  2. Manna A, Bhattacharyya B (2001) Investigation for effective tooling system to machine Al/SiC-MMC. In: Proceedings of the RAMP. Department of Production Engineering, Annamalai University, India, pp 465–472

  3. Manna A, Bhattacharyya B (2004) Investigation for optimal parametric combination for achieving better surface finish during turning of Al/SiC-MMC. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 23:658–665

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Jain VK (2002) Advanced machining processes. Allied Pub Pvt Ltd, 58–76

  5. Rhoades L (1991) Abrasive flow machining: a case study. J Mater Process Technol 28:107–116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Jung D, Wang WL, Hu SJ (2008) Microscopic geometry changes of a direct-injection diesel injector nozzle due to abrasive flow machining and a numerical investigation of its effects on engine performance and emissions. Proc IMechE A J Power Energy 222:241–252

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Tzeng HJ, Yan BH, Hsu RT, Lin YC (2007) Self-modulating abrasive medium and its application to abrasive flow machining for finishing micro channel surfaces. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 32:1163–1169

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Kim JD, Kim KD (2004) Deburring of burrs in spring collets by abrasive flow machining. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 24:469–473

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Benedict GF (1987) Nontraditional manufacturing processes. Marcel Dekker, New York

    Google Scholar 

  10. Mali HS, Manna A (2009) Current status and application of abrasive flow finishing processes: a review. Proc IMechE B Int J Eng Manuf 223:809–820

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Mali HS, Manna A (2009) Optimization of AFM parameters during finishing of Al-6063 alloy cylindrical surface. J Mach Form Technol 1(3/4)

  12. Davies PJ, Fletcher AJ (1996) Assessment of rheological characteristics of abrasive flow machining process. Proc IMechE B Int J Eng Manuf 209:409–418

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Montgomery DC (1997) Introduction to statistical quality control. Wiley, New York, 589–601

  14. Padke MS (1997) Quality engineering using robust design. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs

    Google Scholar 

  15. Mali HS, Manna A (2009) Parametric study for surface roughness during abrasive Flow finishing of AL/SiCp-MMC. In: Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Precision, Meso, Micro and Nano Engineering (COPEN 6), pp B42–B47

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical Engineering Department, Chitkara Institute of Engineering & Technology, Rajpura, Punjab, India

    Harlal Singh Mali

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, 160012, India

    Alakesh Manna

Authors
  1. Harlal Singh Mali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Alakesh Manna
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Harlal Singh Mali.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mali, H.S., Manna, A. Optimum selection of abrasive flow machining conditions during fine finishing of Al/15 wt% SiC-MMC using Taguchi method. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 50, 1013–1024 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-010-2565-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-010-2565-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation