Abstract
This chapter aims to optimize centreless grinding conditions using the Taguchi method for minimizing surface roughness. The grinding operation has been performed according to the L9 orthogonal array in a centreless grinding process. The centreless grinding experiments are carried out on the crane-hook pin of C40 steel. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and computation of signal to noise (S/N) ratio are adopted to determine the influence of grinding parameters (depth of cut [µm], regulating wheel speed [rpm], and coolant valve opening) on surface roughness. The depth of cut (µm) is found to be the most significant among the grinding parameters on the surface roughness. The signal to noise (S/N) ratio was calculated based on smaller the best criteria. The lower level of depth of cut, medium level of regulating wheel speed, and higher-level coolant valve opening is found to be optimal grinding condition according to the mean response and signal to noise (S/N) ratio.
TopTaguchi Method
Taguchi developed a powerful statistical method for designing high-quality systems (Taguchi, 1990). With this method, a system is easily optimized for performance, quality, and cost in a simple, efficient, and systematic manner (Yang & Tarng, 1998). Quality engineering aims to develop robust products against all noise factors. The selection of control factors is the most important stage for the design of an experiment. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio is termed as a quality characteristic in the Taguchi technique (Asiltürk, & Akkuş, 2011). The loss function is the calculation of the deviation between the experimental value and the desired value. This loss function further transformed into a signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio (Park, 1996; Nalbant, Gökkaya & Sur, 2007). Three different performance characteristics in the analysis of signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, namely, the lower-the-better, the higher-the-better, and the nominal- the-better (Shetty, Pai, Rao, & Nayak, 2009; Gupta, Singh, & Aggarwal, 2011) are calculated by Equation (1) to (3).
Nominal the best:
Key Terms in this Chapter
Process Parameter: The different independent variables involved in a machining process or referred to as process parameters. In this study, depth of cut (µm), regulating wheel speed (rpm) and coolant valve opening are considered as process parameter.
Process Response: The measured output which is dependent on the process is known as its response. In this study, surface roughness is considered as process response.
Taguchi Method: The Taguchi method is a powerful problem-solving technique for improving process performance, yield and productivity.
Centreless Grinding: Centreless grinding is the process of removing material from the outside diameter of a work piece using an abrasive wheel. In its simplest form, a centreless grinder consists of the machine base, grinding wheel, regulating wheel and work blade.
Optimization: A mathematical technique for finding a maximum or minimum value of a function of several variables subject to a set of constraints.