Effects of Cutting Parameters on Surface Roughness during End Milling of Aluminium under Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL)

In this study an experimental investigation of effects of cutting parameters on surface roughness during end milling of aluminium 6061 under minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) condition was carried out. The experiments were carried out to investigate surface quality of the machined parameters and to developed mathematical models using least square techniques. Spindle speed (N), feed rate (f), axial depth of cut (a) and radial depth of cut (r) has been chosen as input variables in order to predict surface roughness. The experiment was designed by using central composite design (CCD) in which 30 samples were run in a CNC milling machine. Each of the experimental result was measured using Mitutoyo surface tester. After the predicted surface roughness values have been obtained the average percentage errors were calculated. The mathematical model developed by using least square method shows accuracy of 89.5 % which is reasonably reliable for surface roughness prediction. With the obtained optimum input parameters for surface roughness, production operations will be enhanced.