Optimizing the machining parameters during turning of EN 31 steel using TiN + Al2O3 + TiCN coated tungsten carbide tool

EN31 steel is a high strengthsteel alloy offering good combination of ductility, strength and wear resistance. Achieving optimum material removal rate and surface finish is achallenging task while machining this alloy. The present work involves an experimental investigation to optimize process parameter for turning of EN-31 steel using TiN + Al2O3 + TiCN coated tungsten carbide tool. Three distinctive parameters viz. cutting speed (v), depth of cut (d) and feed rate (f) were selected to carry out the turning operation. The experimental runs are designed using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array and are then carried out using a lathe machine tool. Outcome of experimentation witnessed material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR) as the two critical responses and are analyzed by taking their signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. ANOVA analysis has employed to determine the most significant parameters. The optimal process setting for MRR and SR are v3d3f3 and v1d1f1 resulting to a higher MRR with the least SR has been verified through conducting a confirmation experiment. Empirical models are also developed to correlate the output response and turning parameters.