Multi-Part Fixture Design for Grinding Efficiency
Multi-Part Fixture Design for Grinding Efficiency
ABSTRACT
Currently the underlying necessities for productivity remain big issue of machining of
products in surface grinding. The demand on rapid and economic fabrication of
microproducts with complex shapes has also made new challenges for fixture design and
process parameters.
The current work is focused to reduce machining lead time to increase productivity by
introducing multi part fixture by changing the fixture design according to the component
and varying the process parameters like machining speed, and infeed to achieve required
surface roughness and dimensional accuracy.
By using multi part fixture improves the economy of production by allowing smooth
operation, quick transition from part to part, reducing the requirement of skilled labor by
simplifying the fixture design and increasing conformity across a production cycle.
ii
LIST OF FIGURES
iii
5.2 Main effects plot for mean of surface roughness indicating the
effects of input parameters 35
5.3 Main effects plot for SN ratio of surface roughness indicating
iv
LIST OF TABLES
Table no. Description Page no.
v
NOMENCLATURE
Pcs Pieces
Mfg Manufacturing
2D Two dimensional
Vw Velocity of work
OA Orthogonal array
SD Standard deviation
SN Signal to noise
vi
CONTENTS
Page no.
TITLE SHEET i
CERTIFICATE ii
ABSTRACT iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v
DECLARATION vi
LIST OF TABLES ix
NOMENCLATURE x
1. INTRODUCTION 1-4
1.1 Compounding 2
1.2 Moulding 2
1.3 De-Binding 3
1.4 Sintering 3
1.5 Finishing 4
viii
4.6.1Machine tool 28
4.6.2 Instruments 30
4.7 Experimental Set Up and Procedure 31
4.7.1 Experimental Procedure 31
6.1 Conclusions 38
ix
CHAPTER1
INTRODUCTION
Better quality at lower cost in a lesser time is increasing the competitive nature among the
manufacturers. Survival of the fittest as stated by Charles Darwin centuries ago, is still
applicable to modern world, especially in industries. To survive in the modern industry
one has to employ continuous quality improvement program with the minimum cost
possible. So to achieve the above requirement certain machine tools are required to
perform some machining operations.
During machining, a work piece with the help of machine tool and cutting tool is
converted into a product. In a product it has to be designed to the required specifications
such as size, shape, surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Machining is one of the
important processes which enhance the production.
Production is a process used for increasing the usage value of goods and services by
transforming a set of input parameter into a set of desired output parameters. One of the
important output parameters are dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Surface finish
of mechanical components may be influenced by various input parameters like feed,
speed, depth of cut, material of work piece, material of the tool, geometry of the tool,
application of cutting fluid, type of cutting fluid, dynamic characteristics of the machine
tool etc.
Further, the process parameters like cutting speed, feed etc. are expected to influence
vibration behavior of the machine tool. To increase the productivity high cutting velocity
and Infeeds are required. In general, due to the limitations arising out of machine tool
chatter and other factors, these cannot be increased after a certain limit. Thus process of
optimization is very important to identify the best parametric combination for obtaining
the desired response or responses like surface finish, material removal rate, etc.
Individually or simultaneously.
The MIM process combines the design flexibility of plastic injection molding with the
strength and integrity of wrought metals to offer cost effective solutions for highly
complex part geometries. The MIM process is typically explained as four unique
processing steps to produce a final part that may or may not need final finishing
operations.
1
Typical processes are listed below.
Compounding
Molding
Debinding
Sintering
1.1 Compounding:
Fine metal powder less than 20µ particle size is blended with thermoplastic and wax
binders in precise amounts. The metal powder to binder ratio is approximately 60:40 by
volume. The blend is placed in special mixing equipment and heated to a temperature
causing the binders to melt. The mass is mechanically mixed until the metal powder
particles are uniformly coated with the binders. The mass is cooled and then granulated
into free flowing pellets (termed feedstock) that will be accepted by the injection molding
machine.
1.2Moulding:
Injection molding is identical in equipment and technique to how plastic injection
molding takes place. The pelletized feedstock is fed into a machine where it is heated and
injected into a mold cavity under high pressure. The part (now termed as green) is
allowed to cool and then ejected from the mold so the process can repeat. Since only the
binders melt (to carry the metal powders), the entire process happens at about 200° C.
The tooling can be of multiple cavities for high production rates. The mold cavity is sized
approximately 20% larger to compensate for shrinkage that takes place during sintering.
The shrinkage change is precisely known for each material.
2
1.3 De-Binding:
De-binding is a process where the binder materials are removed from the molded
component. This process is usually done in several steps whereby the majority is removed
before the sintering step, leaving behind only enough binder to handle the parts into the
sintering furnace. De-binding can be accomplished by multiple methods, the most popular
being solvent extraction. After de-binding the part is now semi-porous this allows the
remaining binder to easily escape during sintering.
1.4 Sintering:
The de-bound parts are placed on ceramic setters which are loaded into a high
temperature, atmosphere controlled furnace. The parts are slowly heated in a protective
atmosphere to drive out the remaining binders. Once the binders are evaporated, the part
is heated to high temperature where the void space between the particles is eliminated as
the particles fuse together. The part shrinks isotropically to its design dimensions and
transforms into a dense solid. The sintered density is typically greater than 97% of
theoretical for most materials. The high sintered density gives the product properties that
are similar to wrought materials.
1.5 Finishing:
Depending upon final requirements, certain finishing operations may be performed to the
sintered part. To improve physical properties, heat treatment can be done as on any metal.
3
Figure 1.3 Finished Parts after Sintering
Any type of machining operations can be performed to achieve tolerances that are more
precise than what the process can capably supply. Plating and coatings can be readily
applied due to the high material density. Numerous mechanical assembly techniques such
as welding or cold working can also be successfully used.
In metal injection molding technology parts are made in different steps. During these
processes there are many variations or errors occur in component. Especially during
sintering process there is a chance of distortion and density variation in part to part. Due
to the above situations there is a variation between parts to part dimensionally. As per
MIM standards the minimum achievable tolerance for any dimension is 1/10 th of total
dimensions. Hence, any finished component from MIM process should followed by
partial machining process.
Thus Grinding process added to correct MIM variation and grinding process also a
functional requirement
There are few problems in grinding process and they are listed below.
These are the main problems in present machining process and this project work
mainly focused on the above mentioned issues.
4
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
5
Figure 2.2 Single station grinding fixture drawing
To enable accurate machining, the part must be held in a setup that guarantees a definite
location (or position) and an orientation in space in relation to the part’s datum points
and/or surfaces. Moreover, the setup must ensure repeatable part positioning throughout
the production run. Current fixture made with single station i.e. single part at a time and it
is simple in design refer figure- This fixture was designed as per the standard design
procedure. During design of fixture designers considered all basic principles.
6
2.3 Component details:
The Hammer of a firearm was given its name for both resemblance and functional
similarity to the common tool. The function of the hammer is to strike the firing pin in a
firearm, which in turn detonates the impact-sensitive cartridge (Bullet). When
the trigger of a firearm is depressed, it acts on the sear, which in turn releases the spring-
tensioned hammer. Some firearms have a striker instead of a hammer and firing pin.
Presently grinding operation performed on Sear – Hammer engagement area since this is
critical functional surface of the firearm. Sear notch area must me be very smooth and it
has a fine surface finish to cocking or engage and disengagement.
Name: Hammer
Material: MIM S7 (Tool steel)
Hardness: 48-53 HRc
Density: 7.5g/cc Minimum
7
Weight: 9gms
Function: Initiates Firing pin for ignition
Application: Defense product
Roughness plays an important role in determining how a real object will interact with its
environment. Rough surfaces usually wear more quickly and have higher friction
coefficients than smooth surface. Roughness is often a good predictor of the performance
of a mechanical component, since irregularities in the surface may form nucleation sites
for cracks or corrosion. On the other hand, roughness may promote adhesion.
Although a high roughness value is often undesirable, it can be difficult and expensive to
control in manufacturing. Decreasing the roughness of a surface will usually increase its
manufacturing costs. This often results in a trade-off between the manufacturing cost of a
component and its performance in application.
2.5 Minitab:
8
2.5.1 Minitab 16 Provides the Following Main Features:
A statistical hypothesis test is a method of making decisions using data, whether from
a controlled experiment or an observational study (not controlled). In statistics, a result is
called statistically significant if it is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone, according
to a pre-determined threshold probability, the significance level. The phrase "test of
significance" was coined by Ronald Fisher: "Critical tests of this kind may be called tests
of significance, and when such tests are available we may discover whether a second
A result that was found to be statistically significant is also called a positive result;
conversely, a result whose probability under the null hypothesis exceeds the significance
level is called a negative result or a null result. The critical region of a hypothesis test is
the set of all outcomes which, if they occur, will lead us to decide that there is a
difference. That is, cause the null hypothesis to be rejected in favor of the alternative
hypothesis.
9
Statistical hypothesis testing is a key technique of frequentist statistical inference. The
Bayesian approach to hypothesis testing is to base rejection of the hypothesis on
the posterior probability. Other approaches to reaching a decision based on data are
available via decision theory and optimal decisions.
This type of statistical approach to experimental design is required if one wishes to draw
a meaningful conclusion from the observed data. Hence, basically DOE refers to the
process of planning, designing, & analyzing the experiments so that valid & objective
conclusion can be drawn effectively and efficiently. In performing DOE, one will
intentionally make changes to the input process variables or factors in order to observe
corresponding changes in the output process Figure2.1 shows a general model of a
particular process or system.
Dr. Genechi Taguchi carried out research with DOE techniques while working for
Electronic Control Laboratory in Japan, in the late1940‘s. He spent considerable effort to
make this experimental technique more user-friendly and applied it to improve the quality
of manufactured products. Dr. Taguchi's standardized version of DOE, popularly known
as the Taguchi method or Taguchi approach, was introduced in the USA in the
early1980's. Now-a-days it is the most effective quality building tool used by engineers
for all fields of manufacturing activity. The DOE using Taguchi approach can
economically satisfy the needs of problem solving and product/process design
optimization projects. Dr. Genechi Taguchi is regarded as the foremost proponent of
robust parameter design, which is an engineering method for product or process design
that focuses on minimizing variation and/or sensitivity to noise.
In robust parameter design, the primary goal is to find factor settings that minimize
response variation, while adjusting (or keeping) the process on target. After determining
which factors affect variation, it is necessary to find settings for controllable factors that
will either reduce the variation, make the product insensitive to changes in uncontrollable
11
(noise) factors, or both. A process designed with this goal will produce more consistent
output and a product designed with this goal will deliver more consistent performance
regardless of the environment in which it is used. Engineering knowledge should guide
the selection of factors and responses. It is necessary to scale control factors and
responses so that interactions are unlikely. When interactions among control factors are
likely or not well understood, it is necessary to choose a design that is capable of
estimating those interactions. Robust parameter design uses Taguchi designs (orthogonal
arrays), which allows to analyze many factors with few runs. Taguchi designs are
balanced, that is, no factor is weighted more or less in an experiment, thus allowing
factors to be analyzed independently of each other.
The application of DOE requires careful planning, prudent layout of the experiment, and
expert analysis of results. Based on years of research and applications Dr. Genechi
Taguchi has standardized the methods for each of DOE application steps. Thus, DOE
using the Taguchi approach has become a much more attractive tool to practicing
engineers and scientists. DOE using Taguchi approach attempts to improve quality which
is defined as the consistency of performance. Consistency is achieved when variation is
reduced. This can be done by moving the mean performance to the target as well as by
reducing variations around the target. The prime motivation behind the Taguchi
experiment design technique is to achieve reduced variation (also known as robust
design).
Taguchi method is employed with the following steps to optimize the input parameters so
that the performance of the process is improved:
To identify the process parameters to be evaluated
To determine the number of levels for the design parameters and possible
interactions between the process parameters
To select the appropriate orthogonal array and assign the design parameters to the
orthogonal array
To conduct the experiments based on the arrangement of the orthogonal array
To analyze the experimental results using ANOVA
To select the optimal levels of process parameters
To verify the optimal process parameters through the confirmation experiment.
[ ]
n
S 1 1
ratio=−10 log 10 ∑ 2 (2.1)
N n i=1 yi
Where n= number of replications, y is the observed data and
14
S stands for signal and N stands for noise.
[ ]
n
S 1
ratio=10 log 10 ∑ yi 2 (2.2)
N n i=1
Where n= number of replications, y is the observed data
Where µ= mean
d = Standard deviation
In statistics , the standard deviation (SD) (represented by the Greek letter sigma, σ)
measures the amount of variation or dispersion from the average. A low standard
deviation indicates that the data points tend to be very close to the mean (also called
expected value); a high standard deviation indicates that the data points are spread out
over a large range of values.
Factor levels that maximize the appropriate S/N ratio are considered optional. A statistical
analysis of variance (ANOVA) is then used to find the influence of the process
parameters on the system response under consideration.
15
Identifying the test conditions
Figure 2.5 Procedure for design of experiments
Chapter 3
Design Procedure of Fixture
16
3.1 Fixtures:
A fixture is a work-holding or support device used in the manufacturing industry. Fixtures
are used to securely locate (position in a specific location or orientation) and support the
work, ensuring that all parts produced using the fixture will maintain conformity and
interchangeability. Using a fixture improves the economy of production by allowing
smooth operation and quick transition from part to part, reducing the requirement for
skilled labor by simplifying how work pieces are mounted, and increasing conformity
across a production run.
17
Angle-plate fixtures are a modification of plate fixtures in that rather than a reference
surface parallel to the mounting surface, it is set perpendicular to the mounting surface.
In addition to their basic construction, fixtures may be classified in respect to the process
To justify fixture cost and the lowest cost per part, the fixture must exhibit:
• Clamp requirements
Start
Yes
No
Yes
No
From above algorithem design of fixtures made simple and [Link] initial stage
need to understand the purpose of fixture, based on the requirements designers can start
desiging the fixture. Once the final design ready designer must relaese the fixture design
to manufaturing. After final assembly of fixture calibration must be taken care as per the
drawing and fixture can used for trial run.
Considering all steps right from the design to final production fixture the following Gantt
chart shows the time & cost spent on differnet steps in fixture design.
19
Figure 3.2 Graph of time and cost for different stages of fixture design
3.6.2 Operations:
3.6.3 Equipment:
3.6.4 Personnel:
21
Figure 3.3 Multi station grinding fixture model
22
Figure 3.4 Multi station grinding fixture drawing
23
3.8 Test of Hypothesis on Grinding Fixture:
Any new design must undergo a validation or trail run before it going to work under
actual conditions. In present work, design modification has been done on current fixture
and based on the current fixture data new fixture design has to validate. To validate new
fixture design with current fixture statistically, there is a tool called test of hypothesis,
which provides end results at 95% of confidence level.
3.8.1 Experimental procedure for hypothesis test:
Collect the output data for both the fixture for which fixture has been made i.e., in
present work roughness value.
During validation, process parameter (speed, feed, etc.,) must be kept same for
both fixtures to avoid variation due to process parameters.
Collect the randomly and tabulate in Minitab. (For detailed trails data refer
appendix-B )
Run the test of hypothesis with the data entered and results of hypothesis test
mentioned below graphs.
Vc : Cutting speed
25
Figure 4.3Face diagonal grinding with radial feed
4.2.1 Infeed of grinding wheel:
Infeed and feed rate (wok speed) crucially determine the total machining time in
reciprocating grinding. An increase of infeed, increases grinding forces and thermal
stress. The work piece surface roughness decreases with a higher number of engaged
cutting edges. In low removal rate grinding, maximum infeeds are recommended in the
range of 0.005-0.010mm. Larger infeeds can be achieved in creep grinding and high
removal rate grinding.
Surface grinding machine is used widely in industry to finish length and thickness of the
work piece within precise tolerances. The standard magnetic table furnished with surface
grinding machines can be used satisfactorily for work piece having resting surface
26
parallel to the surface to be ground. Solid plates can be ground under magnetic clamping
alone and no other fixtures are necessary.
For work pieces unsuitable for magnetic clamping and intricate shapes, special fixtures
must be designed. Surface grinding fixtures are generally similar to face milling fixture in
design. However, generally face milling is the first operation whereas grinding is done at
a much later stage when a number of the work pieces are available for location and
clamping
.
4.5 Experimental Setup:
Four sets of experiments were conducted to quantify the effects of the key process
parameters on the performance of the grinding operation. The full experimental procedure
is presented in the ensuing sections.
27
In order to quantify the effects of the controllable parameters on process performance and
part quality characteristics and establish the process constraints, a 4- run orthogonal array
characterization experiment was conducted using orthogonal array (OA) L4(23)
As mentioned earlier the input/process parameter i.e. the factors considered in the study
are feed, spindle speed and wheel grade. The response measured is surface roughness.
Based on trails runs, the levels of the factors are determined from Mini Tab. table. 4.2
Shows the factors and their levels. The design matrix corresponding to L4 orthogonal
array is given in Table 4.1
Factor interactions were not considered in this experiment. The process parameter
traverse feed was not included as controllable experimental factor because they could not
be set precisely on the manual feed grinder used in this study. The order of experimental
trials was randomized and each trial was performed to obtain data points for each work
piece material.
4.6 Machine Tool and Instruments Used in Study:
4.6.1Machine tool:
For the present work, the surface grinding machine used has following principle
specifications, as given in table 4.3
Make: Okomoto
Model number: LINEAP450B
The photographic view of grinding machine is shown in Figure 3.2
28
Table 4.3 General specifications of surface machine used
Item Dimensions in mm
Capacity
Max. grinding capacity 450
Max. grinding width 150
Spindle center to table surface 75-465
Tables
Surface length 480
Surface width 150
Max. longitudinal movement 530
Max. cross movement 210
T-slot(No X width) 1X17
Feeds
Longitudinal movement of table one [Link] hand wheel (approx) 130
Cross movement of saddle one [Link] hand wheel (approx) 3
One graduation of hand wheel 0.02
Vertical movement of grinding head one rev. of hand wheel 1
One graduation of hand wheel 0.05
Rapid feed 400/480 per minute
Grinding wheel
Diameter 205
Width 6-25
Bore 31.75
Speed 2700-3600 rpm
Motors
Grinding wheel spindle 1.5w, 2P
Dust suction system 0.4Kw, 2P
Vertical feed 0.2Kw, 2P
Floor space
Machine height 1727
Length 1942
Width 1405
Net weight 940 Kg
29
4.6.2 Instruments:
The surface roughness parameters Ra, of the sampled surfaces are measured with the help of
Talysurf (Surface roughness measuring device)
30
4.7 Experimental Set Up and Procedure:
As stated earlier a OKAMOTO surface grinding machine has been used and multi station
grinding fixture has been loaded on magnetic table of machine. The pictorial view of the
experimental setup is shown in the Figure 4.4
Step by step experimental procedure explained as below and fig.4.4 shows the
experimental set up of grinding fixture on machine bed.
Figure 4.6 Photographic view of multi part grinding fixture on machine bed
Grinding fixture has been made straight by lever dial indicator so that dimensional
and straight of the grinding surface (notch) can be achieved.
Parts have been loaded in each station and each station placed on the base of
fixture.
Process parameters were fixed as per the design of experiment (DOE).
Grinding process has been carried out on each set of experiments
Data (surface roughness) has been collected on each DOE and tabulated.
31
4.7.2 Assumption Made During Experimental Run:
In the previous chapter details of experimental plan, set up and procedure have been
discussed. In this chapter results are presented, discussed and analyzed.
5.1 Results of Surface roughness measurement corresponding to L4
orthogonal array experiments:
The results found from measurement of surface roughness are shown in table --. From the
results of surface roughness measurement, it is found that Ra ranges from 0.402 to
0.745µm
Table 5.1 Surface roughness data for design of experiments
Figure 5.1 Main effects plot for standard deviation of surface roughness indicating the
effects of input parameters on surface roughness
34
From fig.5.1 main effects plot for standard deviation of roughness shows that, there is no
significant effect on roughness by the factors wheel grade and spindle speed respectively.
However, there is adverse effect on roughness due to the infeed i.e., decreasing infeed
gives the better surface roughness. Hence, infeed of 0.05mm/pass gives the better output.
Figure 5.2 Main effects plot for mean of surface roughness indicating the effects of input
parameters on surface roughness
From above fig.5.2 main effects plot for mean clearly shows that there is no significant
effect on roughness by the factors wheel grade and spindle speed but, there is a significant
effect on roughness by infeed at 0.05 mm/pass i.e. lower the infeed gives a better mean
value of surface roughness.
35
Figure 5.3 Main effects plot for SN ratio of surface roughness indicating the effects of
input parameters on surface roughness
From above fig.5.3 main effects plot for SN ration under smaller is better condition shows
that, at infeed 0.05mm/pass is gives higher signal to noise ratio since SN ratio should be
always as high as possible. Rest of factors (Wheel grade & speed) there is no significant
effect on response (roughness).
Based on the above all main effects plots infeed have been causing main effect on surface
roughness and remaining parameter at both the levels gives the almost constant result. So
at any level both the parameter (Wheel grade & speed) can use to process the parts. To
proceed further a confirmatory trial must be run as per the below process parameter
combination.
Option-1 Infeed 0.05mm + Wheel grade 120 + Spindle speed 2800 rpm
Option-2 Infeed 0.05mm + Wheel grade 220 + Spindle speed 3300 rpm
36
Frequency of wheel dressing is less in 120 grade.
Burning issue also less due to coarse structure of wheel when compared with the
220 grade.
Cost of wheel is less.
After finalizing the parameters, a confirmatory trail must be taken to ensure that whether
selected factors are really contributing the desired effect on output. Sometimes there is a
chance of undesired output from the selected factors due to the testing conditions or
wrong factors chosen for DOE. To avoid this situation every DOE must undergo a
confirmatory trail and must ensure purpose of DOE.
Based on the confirmatory trail data (refer appendix-C) the standard deviation is
calculated as 0.0641and which is close to the trail value. Hence, the final process
parameters are as follows.
37
CHAPTER-6
39
References
[Link]
[Link]
AIAG, “Statistical Process Control”, Reference manual 2nd Edition, July 2005
[Link]
Minitab Tutorials for Design and Analysis of Experiments Dr. Jianbiao (John) Pan
Hasan O ktem et al., ―A study of the Taguchi optimization method for surface roughness
in finish milling of mold surfaces‖, International Journal of Advance Manufacturing
Technology, Issue 28, 2006.
40
Appendix-A
42
43
Fig.A.3 Spring steel clamp
44
Fig.A.6 locking screw for Clamp dowel pin
45
Fig.A.9 Part locating block (Right)
46
Fig.A.11 Ejector block
47
Fig.A.13 Cam screw
48
Fig.A.16 Carbide slip
49
Appendix-B
Table B.1 Surface roughness data for hypothesis test
50
25 0.82 0.84
26 0.88 0.77
27 0.71 0.81
28 0.82 0.81
29 0.98 0.76
30 0.75 0.85
Min 0.690 0.630
Max 0.980 0.860
Avg 0.819 0.769
Std 0.0763 0.0698
51
Appendix-C
Table C-1 Surface roughness data for final confirmatory trail
Response 0.80
USL 0.80
LSL 0.00
Surface
Checking
roughness
Method
tester
1 0.651
2 0.722
3 0.623
4 0.647
5 0.654
6 0.718
7 0.646
8 0.745
9 0.658
10 0.669
11 0.679
12 0.756
13 0.717
14 0.752
15 0.689
16 0.674
17 0.837
18 0.782
19 0.729
20 0.718
21 0.824
22 0.812
23 0.729
24 0.685
25 0.645
26 0.744
27 0.658
28 0.824
52
29 0.784
30 0.832
Min 0.623
Max 0.837
Avg 0.720
Std 0.0641
53