Modelling Drilling Experiments on Al7075 Using the Response Surface Methodology

The current research deals with the mathematical simulation of the drilling manufacturing process using the response surface methodology (RSM). The workpiece used was made of aluminium alloy 7075 and the tools used were manufactured from Kennametal. A number of different drilling tool diameters were used, with variable cutting speeds and feed rates. The thrust force (Fz) and the cutting torque (Mz) were measured using a Kistler dynamometer, while the mathematical models in both cases were proved to be sufficient, in order to describe the effect of the drilling parameters on both the thrust force and the cutting torque. (paper)