Fuzzy logic based data selection for the drilling process

Recently, fuzzy logic principles have been applied for selecting cutting conditions in the turning process in machining operations [Hashmi, EL Baradie, Ryan, Fuzzy logic based intelligent selection of machining parameters, in: Proceedings of 22nd Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering (ICC&IE), The American University in Cairo, Egypt, December 1997, pp 309–312]. Theoretical calculations were performed on data extracted from the Machining Data Handbook [Machining Data Handbook, third ed., vol. 2, Metcut Research Associates, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, 1980]. This handbook provides a vast information source that includes selection of appropriate cutting tools and machining parameters, e.g. cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut, etc. for different tool work combinations. For the turning process, the results showed a very good correlation between the Machining Data Handbook’s recommended cutting speed values and that predicted using a fuzzy logic model. The strategy and action of the skilled machine tool operator for selecting cutting speed and depth of cut can be described by the fuzzy set theory. In this paper, the fuzzy logic model has been used in the drilling operation to select drilling speeds for three different materials. The relationship between a given material hardness and drilling speed can be described and evaluated by the fuzzy relation for different cutting tool materials and different hole diameters and feed rates.