Selection of optimal condition for finishing of centreless-cylindrical ground parts using grey relational and principal component analyses

In this paper, an attempt has been made to determine optimal setting of the centreless grinding process parameters. Three process parameters, i.e., grinding speed, grinding feed and dressing feed each at three levels were considered. The multi-performance characteristics of the process were measured in terms of diameteral deviation, out-of-roundness and surface roughness of the workpiece. Twenty-seven experiments, as per Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array, were performed on EN52 steel. Grey relational analysis combined with principal component analysis was used to determine grey relational grade. Subsequently, Taguchi response table method and ANOVA were used for data analysis. Confirmation experiment was conducted to determine the gain over the initial design. Results revealed that the grinding speed of 3,500 m/min, grinding feed of 3 mm/min and dressing feed of 100 mm/min yielded the optimum multi-performance characteristics. It was also found that the dressing feed had more effect on responses followed by grinding speed and grinding feed.