TAGUCHI METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING THE MANUFACTURING PARAMETERS OF FRICTION MATERIALS

Abstract

Semi-metallic friction materials were produced by the powder metallurgy method. This study investigated the optimization of manufacturing parameters (moulding pressure, moulding temperature and moulding time) for friction materials using the Taguchi Method. Physical properties (hardness and specific gravity) and tribological properties (wear and fade) were selected as the quality target. It was determined that moulding pressure has the strongest effect on physical and tribological properties. It was observed that friction materials with the optimal level of parameters proved to be the best performer in tribological characteristic.