Abstract
Based on reliability analysis, this paper describes a new approach for optimizing the cutting process using the Taguchi method. This approach uses optimized cutting parameters, such as the cutting speed, the cutting volume, and the cutting load for cutting glass fibres, with the application of the Weibull modulus to the blade wear. The minimum blade wear, using the Taguchi method, was found to be the lowest cutting speed and the medium cutting load. The cutting volume had little effect on blade wear. An analysis of the variance of the blade wear indicated that the cutting speed (49.17 per cent) and load (20.33 per cent) were the most significant parameters in the cutting process of glass fibres. The optimum cutting conditions for the Weibull modulus were found to be as follows: speed, 5.7 m/s; volume, 150 pieces; load, 27 kgf/cm2. Comparing the wear with the Weibull modulus, the most optimal cutting parameter is A1B3C3. The experimental results reveal that the Taguchi method provides the optimum parameters for the cutting of glass fibres.