Multicriteria Optimisation of Machining Operations Using a Spreadsheet Model

Abstract

The rapid development of new materials and tools demonstrates the need for efficient and feasible machining processes. Modern production systems must guarantee sustainable, flexible, productive and high-quality production at low cost. Therefore, the combination of technological data with advanced software solutions is very important, especially when using complex CNC machining systems, where the reliability of the technological information is crucial, as simple measures can make a very positive contribution to the productivity achieved. When optimising the machining parameters, costs and machining time must be taken into account. The article deals with the optimisation of the turning process with a large number of influencing variables (machine, workpiece material, tool, cutting parameters, costs, etc.) and two objectives: the fastest possible machining (minimisation of machining time) and the lowest possible machining costs. The model is designed in an Excel spreadsheet and the multi-criteria optimisation is carried out using the approximation method. Step by step, we can find the optimal processing regime for each selected case.

Keywords

• cost
• cutting parameters
• machining
• optimisation
• time