Application of response surface methodology for prediction and modeling of surface roughness in ball end milling of OFHC copper

This study was conducted to investigate the synergistic effects of cutting parameters on surface roughness in ball end milling of oxygen-free high conductivity (OFHC) copper and to determine a statistical model that can suitably correlate the experimental results. Firstly, an experimental plan based on a full factorial rotatable central composite design with variable parameters, the cutting feed rate or feed per tooth, axial depth of cut, radial depth of cut, and the cutting speed, was developed. The range for each variable was varied through five different levels. Secondly, a mathematical model was formulated based on the response surface methodology (RSM) for roughness components (R_a and R_z micron). The predicted values from the model were found to be close to the actual experimental values. Finally, for checking the adequacy of the models, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the dependence of the process parameters and their interactions. The developed model would assist in selecting the cutting variables for optimization of ball end milling process for a particular material. Based on the results from this study, it is concluded that the step over or radial depth of cut have a higher contribution (45.81%) and thus has a significant influence on the surface roughness of the milled OFHC copper.