Parametric optimization studies on drilling of sandwich composites using the Box-Behnken design

This study was carried out to investigate the parametric influence on the performance of drilling newly made sandwich composites. Sandwich composite was prepared by using steel and jute as reinforcements and polyester as the matrix material. Drilling experiments were carried out by considering input factors such as spindle speed, feed rate of the spindle, point angle of the drill and tool diameter. Three output factors, namely thrust force developed during drilling, surface roughness of the drilled hole and damage at the entrance surface, were studied. All output factors were optimized by using the Box-Behnken approach, and the best machining conditions were taken on the basis of the desirability approach. Confirmatory experiments were conducted and compared against the Box-Behnken model. The comparison showed only a minor error, and hence the optimization is satisfactory.