Optimization of Drilling Parameters on Al 6061T6 using Firefly Algorithm

Drilling is one of the machining operations performed to complete a finished profile. The drilled component normally requires both dimensional accuracy and surface finish to suit the required application. Selection of drilling parameters from the knowledge of process planner is non-technical, and selecting drilling parameters by trial experiments are tedious and time consuming. The machining handbook could give only ranges of drilling parameters for a particular tool-curve combination which could not provide the optimal values for the required objectives. So there is a need to develop a technique for selecting the optimal drilling parameters. In this attempt, we carried out experimental investigations on aluminium AL6061T6 to study the effect of drilling parameters such as cutting speed and feed on machining surface roughness. Empirical relations have been found using Design Expert 7.0 software for surface roughness prediction on the basis of experimental results. Optimization model has been validated by confirmation experiments. It has been found that the predicted roughness using FA is in good agreement with the actual roughness.