Optimization of microwave drilling parameters for pine needles and rice husk PLA composites

In this study, drilling analysis was conducted on pine needles and rice husk reinforced PLA composites to optimize the process parameters to improve hole quality and reduce tool wear. Results showed that drilling at 180 W microwave power with the feed rate of 150 mm/min yielded the maximum circularity of 0.94 and a tool wear of 0.17 × 10−2 g. The maximum material removal rate of 2.39 × 10−2 g/s was achieved at 540 W microwave power and a feed rate of 120 mm/min. Regression analysis was utilized to define relationships between process parameters and responses for pine needle and rice husk powder-reinforced PLA composites. ANOVA validated the model's significance, demonstrating a correlation above 95% between experimental results and predicted values. The optimal process parameters for achieving high-quality holes in pine needles and rice husk reinforced PLA composites were found to be at 180 W of microwave power and 144 mm/min of feed rate.