Optimization of Burnishing process by Taguchi method for surface enhancement of EN31 steel

Surface finish plays important role in service characteristics of an element, such as corrosion resistance, wear resistance and fatigue life. This leads to investigate surface finishing processes like polishing, buffing, lapping, burnishing etc. Burnishing is well known, effective and efficient super finishing technique which involves surface layers plastic deformation by cold working to refine surface texture and improve service life of component. Current work focuses on investigation of ball burnishing process and optimization of it on EN31 steel. Taguchi method is implemented for determination of best possible process parameters combination to decrease surface roughness and increase hardness of EN31 steel specimens. After burnishing surface roughness decreases from 0.446 to 0.089 mu m and hardness increases from 179.5 to 266.5 Hv. Burnishing speed and feed are remarkable factors for decreasing surface roughness, whereas no. of tool passes and applied force are crucial for increasing hardness, according to optimization results. Validation tests are carried out with ideal levels of process parameters, confirming that the process of ball burnishing has improved the surface finish and hardness of EN31 steel.