Optimizing reuse of Vanadis? 8 tool steel powders through multi-objective Lichtenberg algorithm: A powder metallurgy approach

Tool steels with high-performance mechanical properties, such as Vanadis (R) 8, are manufactured by powder metallurgy and used in applications including tools, punches, and dies. However, the chips obtained from machining this material are typically sold as scrap to companies that utilize remelting-an inefficient method for reusing a product with high added value. Therefore, this work aimed to employ a new optimization algorithm, called the Multi-Objective Lichtenberg Algorithm, to identify the best parameters for reusing powders obtained by high-energy milling, thus enabling a new by-product. The Response Surface Methodology was used to generate a metamodel containing the equations. The milling parameters investigated were 300-400 rpm, a ball-to-powder weight ratio of 15:1, and milling durations of 12-50 h. The analyzed responses included particle size, distribution, and energy consumption. The metamodel exhibited a global error of 6.82 % relative to the confirmation experiment. The results indicated that it is possible to save up to 26 h in the process through optimization and to obtain powders of excellent quality for sintering. (c) 2024 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.