Experimental investigation and analysis of factors influencing delamination and surface roughness of hybrid GFRP laminates using Taguchi technique
Purpose The paper aims to develop a mathematical model for delamination and surface roughness during end milling by using response surface methodology (RSM) and to determine how the input parameters (cutting speed, depth of cut, helix angle and feed rate) influence the output response (delamination and surface roughness) in machining of hybrid glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP; Abaca and Glass) composite using solid carbide end mill cutter. Design/methodology/approach Four factor, three level Taguchi orthogonal array design in RSM is used to carry out the experimental investigation. The "Design Expert 8.0" is used to analyse the data collected graphically. Analysis of variance is carried out to validate the model and for determining the most significant parameter. Findings The feed rate is the cutting parameter which has greater influence on delamination (88.39 per cent) and cutting speed is the cutting parameter which has greater influence on surface roughness (53.42 per cent) for hybrid GFRP composite materials. Both surface roughness and delamination increase as feed rate increases, which means that the composite damage is larger for higher feed rates. Originality/value Effect of milling of hybrid GFRP composite on delamination and surface roughness with various helix angles of solid carbide end mill has not been analysed yet using RSM.