The influence of machining parameters on surface roughness of MDF in milling operation

Abstract

This paper examined the effect of machining parameters on surface roughness of medium density fiberboard (MDF) machined using a computer numerical control (CNC) router. The machining parameters such as spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and tool diameter were examined for milling. The experiments were conducted at two levels of spindle speeds, four levels of feed rates, two levels of tool diameters, and two levels of axial depths of cut. The surface roughness values of MDF grooved by CNC were measured with stylus-type equipment. Statistical methods were used to determine the effectiveness of the machining parameters on surface roughness. The influence of each milling parameter affecting surface roughness was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significant machining parameters affecting the surface roughness were the feed rate, spindle speed, and tool diameter (p < 0.05). There was no significant influence of axial depth of cut on the surface roughness. The surface roughness decreased with increasing spindle speed and decreasing feed rate. The value of surface roughness increased with the increase of tool diameter.