Analysis of Surface Roughness of Machined Surface of Powder Metallurgy Components

The surface roughness value (Ra) of sintered iron P/M components at different cutting speed has been investigated. Surface finish may also be critical for component assembly or system performance. Dimensional fit and mating surface interaction may require certain surface finish requirements to meet performance specifications. Experimental results of surface roughness (Ra) of P/M components at different cutting speed have been analyzed through the various process parameters during manufacturing using response surface model. It has been observed that the compaction pressure, sintering temperature and sintering time strongly influence the response variable, surface roughness. A second order response surface model (RSM) has been used to develop a predicting equation of surface roughness based on the data collected by a statistical design of experiments known as central composite design (CCD). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that the observed data fits well into the assumed second order RSM model.