Experimental Investigation and Multi-response Optimization of Turning Parameters for SS316 Austenitic Stainless Steel
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 1 (March 2026) pp. 459-468
Abstract
AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel (SS316) is extensively used in the aerospace, biomedical, petrochemical and marine sectors. However, its low thermal conductivity and prominent work-hardening properties pose significant challenges in machining. This study experimentally investigates the impact of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut on surface roughness (Ra) and cutting temperature (T) during Computer Numerical Control (CNC) turning of SS316, utilizing hybrid Al₂O₃-MWCNT nano-fluid assisted minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed as a statistical modeling and optimization technique to evaluate the effects and interactions of the parameters, while multi-response optimization was conducted using the Desirability Function Approach (DFA). The developed models exhibited satisfactory statistical adequacy (R² > 0.95). The optimal machining parameters identified were a cutting speed of 89.11 m/min, a feed rate of 0.16 mm/rev and a depth of cut of 0.86 mm, leading to a surface roughness of 2.43 µm and a cutting temperature of 112.3 °C. The findings suggest that RSM–DFA provides a systematic and statistically robust framework for improving the machining performance of SS316 while reducing coolant usage and thermal load under sustainable MQL conditions.
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