Analyzing the correlation between tool vibration and flank wear in face milling of EN-31 steel employing the CRITIC approach

Hard-to-cut metals like EN-31 steel are highly resistant to deformation, which increases the forces involved during machining. These large cutting forces encourage higher tool vibrations during the machining operations. Vibrations may lead to chatter, which further causes irregularities on the machined surface and also, influences the tool performance. Experimentation with face milling was carried out in this study by altering MQL settings employing Taguchi-based experimental design L₁₈. The CRITIC approach is utilized to ascertain the correlation between tool vibration and flank wear in the face milling of EN-31 steel. The results of the CRITIC approach reveal a strong connection between the two responses, as evidenced by a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.8848, which surpasses the threshold of 0.75. Also, Taguchi’s method-based analysis of mean is employed for determining the ideal parametric configuration for minimum tool vibration which is 150 ml/hr LFR, 50% LC, 60 mm SL and 45° NEA. A reduction of 8.82% in the value of tool vibration is reported at ideal parametric settings during the confirmation experiments.