Optimizing the Machining Parameters for Minimum Surface Roughness in Turning of GFRP Composites Using Design of Experiments

In recent years, glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) are being extensively used in variety of engineering applications in many different fields such as aerospace, oil, gas and process industries. However, the users of FRP are facing difficulties to machine it, because of fiber delamination, fiber pull out, short tool life, matrix debonding, burning and formation of powder like chips. The present investigation focuses on the optimization of machining parameters for surface roughness of glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) using design of experiments (DoE). The machining parameters considered were speed, feed, depth of cut and workpiece (fiber orientation). An attempt was made to analyse the influence of factors and their interactions during machining. The results of the present study gives the optimal combination of machining parameters and this will help to improve the machining requirements of GFRP composites.