MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION IN WIRE-ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING (WEDM) OF TITANIUM ALLOY

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation on influences and multiple optimizations of wire-electrical discharge (WEDM) machining performances such as cutting rate, material removal, surface roughness and kerf width processed on titanium alloy material. The experimental studies were conducted under varying machining parameters namely pulse-off time, peak current, wire tension and wire feed. The experimental works were designed base on Taguchi design of experiment. The optimum multi-objective performance characteristics was determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) coupled with grey relational analysis (GRA). ANOVA was used to study the significance of process parameters on grey relational grade which showed the most significant factor. The grey relational grade obtained from GRA was used to optimize the wire-electrical discharge machining process. To validate the findings, confirmation experiment had been carried out using the optimal parameters and the predicted results were found in good agreements with experimental finding. Improved machining performance in the wire electrical machining process has been achieved by using this approach.