Dewi Izzatus Tsamroh, Cepi Yazirin, Agus Suprapto
This study investigates the influence of stirring speed, melting temperature, and reinforcement fraction on the microstructural characteristics of Al–Si/Fe₂O₃ composites produced using the stir casting method. A Taguchi-based experimental approach was employed to optimize the process variables through an orthogonal array design, enabling a systematic and efficient evaluation of parameter effects. The cast specimens were characterized using optical microscopy and SEM-EDX to examine morphology, particle distribution, and elemental composition. Grain size analysis was performed using Python-based image processing to obtain a more comprehensive quantification of the microstructure. The Taguchi analysis identified the optimal parameter combination at a stirring speed of 1000 rpm, a processing temperature of 600 °C, and a reinforcement fraction of 1 wt%. This setting produced a grain size of 235.92 µm, representing the most consistent performance based on the signal-to-noise ratio and demonstrating strong agreement between the predicted optimum and the observed microstructural results. © 2026 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved.
Diploma Program of Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Negeri Malang, Jalan Semarang 5, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Islam Malang, Jalan MT Haryono 193, Malang, 65144, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Merdeka Malang, Jalan Terusan Raya Dieng 62-64, Malang, 65146, Indonesia
