Optimization of cutting parameters on surface roughness of mild steel EN-8 using turning operation

Machining is a vital part of production process in the manufacturing industries. With the advancing technology, chip cutting based machining (turning, milling, drilling etc.) methods still conserve their importance. Good surface finish not only assures quality, but also reduces manufacturing cost. Thus, the selection of cutting parameters, such as cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and cutting fluid, is very important as they directly affect the surface finish. In this study the cutting operations were carried out on a conventional lathe machine making turning operation at a different depth of cuts and spindle speeds keeping the feed rate constant with the help of uncoated carbide cutting tool bit. The operations were done in dry as well as wet conditions using vegetable oil as cutting fluid. After conducting the experiments, it has been found that surface roughness decreases with the increase of cutting speed and increases with increase in depth of cut. Also, the surface roughness decreases with use of the cutting fluid.