Optimisation of EDM Process with Fuzzy Logic Technique

Abstract

In this analysis, the optimisation of multiple responses of Electric discharge machining (EDM) using Fuzzy logic coupled with Taguchi method is attempted. The work piece material was AISI P20 tool steel and a cylindrical copper electrode was used with side impulse flushing. The influence of machining parameters, i.e., pulse current (Ip), pulse duration (Ton), work time (Tw), lift time (Tup) and Inter Electrode Gap (IEG) on the Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Surface Roughness(SR) in EDM are examined. L27 orthogonal array was used to design the experiment and the effect of the factors on the responses were studied. Experimental data has been analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). As the responses are conflicting in nature, a single combination of factors cannot be treated as best machining performance for all responses. Fuzzy logic is used to convert multiple responses into a single characteristic index known as Multi Performance Characteristic Index (MPCI). Finally, MPCIs were optimised by using robust Taguchi design.