Strategy for generalizing the development of alloy steel fuzzy model for machinability data selection

The paper proposes several fuzzy models for representing the turning process of alloy steel. These fuzzy models serve the purpose of predicting the optimum machinability data (cutting speed and feed rate) for a given work-piece material and cutting tools. The fuzzy models were developed based on the relationship of two-input-two-output, where the inputs are material hardness and depth of cut, and the outputs are cutting speed and feed rate. A new strategy was suggested for generalization of fuzzy model development. Initially, a reference fuzzy model was developed, and then other fuzzy models were developed based on the reference fuzzy model by using the suggested strategy. This strategy is useful and required less effort in developing any related new fuzzy models. Besides that, linear interpolation method has also been incorporated for eliminating the effort in designing the fuzzy rules. The predicted cutting speed and feed rate are compared with the data obtained from “Machining Data Handbook” [Metcut Research Associates Inc., Machining Data Handbook, second ed., vol. 1–2, Cincinnati, 1980], and a good correlation has been shown.