Abstract
Tool steel - SKD 11 is frequently used in industries for making dies and molds. This grade is chosen for its toughness, strength, and hardness maintained up to high temperature. However, the same properties make the steel extremely difficult and expensive to machine using conventional approaches. Heat assisted machining has been found wide spread application in recent years to improve machinability of difficult-to-cut materials. This research paper presents the outcome of an investigation on heat assisted end milling of SKD 11 conducted on a vertical machining center using ball nose coated carbide inserts. The Design of Experiments (DoE) was done using the Response Surface Methodology, in order to develop empirical mathematical models of surface roughness and vibration in terms of cutting speed, feed, axial depth of cut, and heating temperature. The models were checked for significance using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). 3-D response surface graphs of the interactions of primary cutting parameters with the responses were plotted. Optimization was then performed by using the desirability function approach. From the graphs and optimized results it was concluded that the primary input parameters could be controlled in order to reduce vibration amplitude and produce semi-finished machined surfaces applying induction heat assisted technique.