Application of Taguchi approach and Utility Concept in solving the Multi-objective Problem when turning AISI 202 Austenitic Stainless Steel

The traditional Taguchi method is widely used for optimizing the process parameters of a single response problem. Optimization of a single response results the non-optimum values for remaining. But, the performance of the manufactured products is often evaluated by several quality characteristics/responses. Under such circumstances, multi-characteristics response optimization may be the solution to optimize multi-responses simultaneously. In the present work, a multi-characteristics response optimization model based on Taguchi and Utility concept is used to optimize process parameters, such as speed, feed, depth of cut, and nose radius on multiple performance characteristics, namely, surface roughness (Ra) and material removal rate (MRR) during turning of AISI 202 austenitic stainless steel using a CVD coated cemented carbide tool. Taguchi’s L8 orthogonal array (OA) is selected for experimental planning. The experimental result analysis showed that the combination of higher levels of cutting speed, depth of cut, and nose radius and lower level of feed is essential to achieve simultaneous maximization of material removal rate and minimization of surface roughness. The ANOVA and F-tests are used to analyze the results. Further, the confirmation tests are conducted and the results are found to be within the confidence interval.