Optimization of casting process parameters using taguchi method and evolutionary heuristics

Abstract

Quality achieved by means of process optimization was found useful by many manufactures because it is cost effective in terms of gaining and maintaining a competitive position in the world market Sand casting processes like green sand casting and CO2 casting in general involve a large number of parameters that affect the various casting quality features of products Some of the parameters are controllable and others are uncontrollable and hence they are essentially responsible for variation in casting quality Hence to achieve good and consistent quality not only the average response but the variation as well should be taken into consideration In this context Taguchi method of quality engineering encompasses all stages of process development whereas the key element for achieving high quality and low cost was by parameter design Through parameter design optimal levels of parameters are selected such that the influence of uncontrollable factors causes minimum variation of the system response