Abstract:
Cutting tools are very important for many manufacturing industries. Examples of cutting tools include lathe, machine presses, and cutting devices. Machine operations using a deteriorated cutting tool often lead to poor product quality performance and high risk of tool damage. The life cycle of machine tool varies upon operating conditions. The purpose of the current study is to lengthen the life cycle of the punch in the progressive die using in an automotive parts manufacturer. A full factorial experimental design (33) is employed to investigate the optimal factors and levels in conditions of punch and die continuous usage. Three factors with three levels (1) punching materials with HSS, SKH51 and SKD11, (2) coating processes with uncoating, CVD coating, and PVD coating, and (3) punching speeds with 35, 40, and 45 strokes/minute at three replicates are tested at the 95% confidence level. Findings from the study reveal that the maximum punch life cycle is found when using SKD11 with PVD coating at 35 strokes/minute. As a result, the production cost can be saved 1,144,000 THB annually.