Analysis of surface roughness and cutting force components in hard turning with CBN tool: Prediction model and cutting conditions optimization

In this study, the effects of cutting speed, feed rate, workpiece hardness and depth of cut on surface roughness and cutting force components in the hard turning were experimentally investigated. AISI H11 steel was hardened to (40; 45 and 50) HRC, machined using cubic boron nitride (CBN 7020 from Sandvik Company) which is essentially made of 57% CBN and 35% TiCN. Four-factor (cutting speed, feed rate, hardness and depth of cut) and three-level fractional experiment designs completed with a statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. Mathematical models for surface roughness and cutting force components were developed using the response surface methodology (RSM). Results show that the cutting force components are influenced principally by the depth of cut and workpiece hardness; on the other hand, both feed rate and workpiece hardness have statistical significance on surface roughness. Finally, the ranges for best cutting conditions are proposed for serial industrial production. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.