Optimization of Machining Parameters in Milling Process of Inconel 718 under Surface Roughness Constraints

• Main Authors: Tian-Yau Wu, Chi-Chen Lin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-02-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: Inconel 718; slot milling; surface roughness prediction; Elman neural network; particle swarm optimization; cutting parameter optimization
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/5/2137

The objective of this research is to investigate the feasibility of utilizing the Elman neural network to predict the surface roughness in the milling process of Inconel 718 and then optimizing the cutting parameters through the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm according to the different surface roughness requirements. The prediction of surface roughness includes the feature extraction of vibration measurements as well as the current signals, the feature selection using correlation analysis and the prediction of surface roughness through the Elman artificial neural network. Based on the prediction model of surface roughness, the cutting parameters were optimized in order to obtain the maximal feed rate according to different surface roughness constraints. The experiment results show that the surface roughness of Inconel 718 can be accurately predicted in the milling process and thereafter the optimal cutting parameter combination can be determined to accelerate the milling process.