Selection of Optimal Control Parameters for Non-Traditional Machining Processes Using the Taguchi Method-A Literature Review

With the introduction and increased use of newer and harder materials like titanium, stainless steel, high strength temperature resistant (HSTR) alloys, fiber-reinforced composites and ceramics in aerospace, nuclear, missile, turbine, automobile, tool and die making industries, a different class of machining processes has been emerged. Instead of employing the conventional tools, these non-traditional machining (NTM) processes use energy in its direct form to remove materials from the workpiece. To achieve the best performance of these NTM processes, it is necessary to select the machining parameters at their optimal levels. Taguchi method of robust design has been extensively used to choose the optimal parametric levels in various machining processes. This paper exclusively reviews the applications of the Taguchi method adopted to select the optimal factor level combinations in different NTM processes.