Investigation effect of cutting parameters on tool life in turning operation by Taguchi method

In machining operations, the low tool wear and high tool life are desired. The cutting parameters should be selected at optimal values to obtain minimum tool wear at the conditions studied. Thereby, the improving surface quality of the workpiece and the reducing operation cost are provided. In this study, the cutting tool wears were examined for each wear zone in the cutting tool wear curve by turning of AISI 1040 steel with uncoated WC (Tungsten Carbide) cutting tools at different cutting speeds, feeds and depths of cut for all three regions seen in the cutting tool wear curve. The data obtained from experiments were evaluated by using Taguchi method and ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and the optimum cutting parameters and efficiency values of these parameters in wear zones were determined. As a result of experimental studies, it was observed that the most effective parameter was feed and tool wear increased as increasing the feed in the first wear zone. In this wear zone, it was obtained that the efficiency of feed were considerable. In addition, it was determined that the depth of cut had minimum effect on tool wear in the first wear zone. In the second wear zone, it was observed that the efficiency ratios of the cutting speed and the feed were very close to each other and both parameters had effective. The effectiveness of the depth of cut was determined as small. In the third wear zone, it was seen that the most effective parameter was feed. In this wear zone, it was obtained that the cutting speed and the feed had much more effect than the depth of cut on the tool wear. As a conclusion, the cutting parameters were determined to increase the tool life in turning of AISI 1040 and 4140 steels. Thus, the significant improvements in tool life were obtained by small changes in turning operations when the efficiencies of cutting parameters were known for each wear zone.