Evaluating the effectiveness of Topsis-Taguchi integration for the multi-characteristics optimization of technological parameters in PMEDM process

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the Topsis-Taguchi integration method used to solve
the multi-characteristic optimization in Powder mixed electric discharge
machining (PMEDM). The technological parameters considered in this study
were electrode material, workpiece material, electrode polarity, pulse on time
(ton), pulse off time (tof), current (I) and titanium powder concentration. Results
showed that current, electrode material, pulse on time, electrode polarity, powder
concentration, interaction between the workpiece material and titanium powder
concentration, and interaction between the electrode material and titanium
powder concentration were the main factors influenced the S/N ratio of C*. The
powder concentration was the most significant parameter to S/N ratio. The
optimal parameters consisted of SKT4, Cu(-), ton = 5s, I = 4A, tof = 57s, 10g/l.
The optimal valuesconsisted of surface roughness (Ra = 2.34m) and microhardness of machined surface (HV = 904.96HV). However, using TaguchiTopsis integration to optimize multi-characteristics is not really appropriate.