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

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. © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. © 2016 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.