Abstract. The present work aims to optimize multiple roughness characteristics i.e. centre line average, root mean square and mean line peak spacing roughness parameters for AISI 1040 medium carbon steel for turning operation. The turning parameters considered are feed rate, depth of cut and cutting condition and are varied at three different levels. Since the present investigation considers three process parameters at three different levels, the combinations laid down in Taguchi's L 9 orthogonal array is employed to carry out the experiments. Grey relational analysis is used for the optimization. Optimal surface roughness is achieved for a depth of cut of 0.4 mm, feed rate of 0.07 mm/rev and under water cooled cutting condition. Analysis of variance revealed the highest contribution from feed rate in controlling the surface roughness.

The present work aims to optimize multiple roughness characteristics i.e. centre line average, root mean square and mean line peak spacing roughness parameters for AISI 1040 medium carbon steel for turning operation. The turning parameters considered are feed rate, depth of cut and cutting condition and are varied at three different levels. Since the present investigation considers three process parameters at three different levels, the combinations laid down in Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array is employed to carry out the experiments. Grey relational analysis is used for the optimization. Optimal surface roughness is achieved for a depth of cut of 0.4 mm, feed rate of 0.07 mm/rev and under water cooled cutting condition. Analysis of variance revealed the highest contribution from feed rate in controlling the surface roughness.