Grey–Taguchi method to optimize the milling parameters of aluminum alloy

Abstract

The grey–Taguchi method was adopted in this study to optimize the milling parameters of A6061P-T651 aluminum alloy with multiple performance characteristics. A grey relational grade obtained from the grey relational analysis is used as the performance characteristic in the Taguchi method. Then, the optimal milling parameters are determined using the parameter design proposed by the Taguchi method. Experimental results indicate that the optimal process parameters in milling A6061P-T651 aluminum alloy can be determined effectively; the flank wear is decreased from 0.177 mm to 0.067 mm and the surface roughness is decreased from 0.44 μm to 0.24 μm, leading to a multiple performance characteristics improvement in milling qualities through the grey–Taguchi method.