Compound machining of titanium alloy by super high speed EDM milling and arc machining

A novel compound machining of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) by super high speed electrical discharge machining (EDM) milling and arc machining was proposed in this paper. The power supply consisted of a pulse generator and a DC power source which were isolated from each other. A rotating pipe graphite electrode was connected to the negative pole of the power supply. The plasma channel was able to deionize, and maximum material removal rate (MRR) reached 21,494 mm³/min with a relative electrode wear ratio (REWR) of 1.7% because of high current and efficient flushing. Compared with traditional EDM, the compound machining achieved a significantly higher MRR but a similar REWR. To investigate the characteristics of the compound machining, the effects of electrode polarity, peak voltage, peak current, and flushing pressure on the performance of the process, including its MRR, REWR, and radius of overcut (ROC), were determined. In addition, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and microhardness analysis were conducted. Result shows that the proposed method can machine difficult-to-machine materials efficiently.     

Performance and Surface Integrity of Ti6Al4V After Sinking EDM with Special Graphite Electrodes

Titanium and its alloys have high chemical reactivity with most of the cutting tools. This makes it difficult to work with these alloys using conventional machining processes. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) emerges as an alternative technique to machining these materials. In this work, it is investigated the performance of three special grades of graphite as electrodes when ED-Machining Ti6Al4V samples under three different regimes. The main influences of electrical parameters are discussed for the samples material removal rate, volumetric relative wear and surface roughness. The samples surfaces were evaluated using SEM images, microhardness measurements, and x-ray diffraction. It was found that the best results for samples material removal rate, surface roughness, and volumetric relative wear were obtained for the graphite electrode with 10-μm particle size and negative polarity. For all samples machined by EDM and characterized by x-ray (XRD), it was identified the presence of titanium carbides. For the finish EDM regimes, the recast layer presents an increased amount of titanium carbides compared to semi-finish and rough regimes.     

State of the art electrical discharge machining (EDM)

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a well-established machining option for manufacturing geometrically complex or hard material parts that are extremely difficult-to-machine by conventional machining processes. The non-contact machining technique has been continuously evolving from a mere tool and die making process to a micro-scale application machining alternative attracting a significant amount of research interests.In recent years, EDM researchers have explored a number of ways to improve the sparking efficiency including some unique experimental concepts that depart from the EDM traditional sparking phenomenon. Despite a range of different approaches, this new research shares the same objectives of achieving more efficient metal removal coupled with a reduction in tool wear and improved surface quality.This paper reviews the research work carried out from the inception to the development of die-sinking EDM within the past decade. It reports on the EDM research relating to improving performance measures, optimising the process variables, monitoring and control the sparking process, simplifying the electrode design and manufacture. A range of EDM applications are highlighted together with the development of hybrid machining processes. The final part of the paper discusses these developments and outlines the trends for future EDM research.     

Machining characteristics of magnetic force-assisted EDM

The gap conditions of electrical discharge machining (EDM) would significantly affect the stability of machining progress. Thus, the machining performance would be improved by expelling debris from the machining gap fast and easily. In this investigation, magnetic force was added to a conventional EDM machine to form a novel process of magnetic force-assisted EDM. The beneficial effects of this process were evaluated. The main machining parameters such as peak current and pulse duration were chosen to determine the effects on the machining characteristics in terms of material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR), and surface roughness. The surface integrity was also explored by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to evaluate the effects of the magnetic force-assisted EDM. As the experimental results suggested that the magnetic force-assisted EDM facilitated the process stability. Moreover, a pertinent EDM process with high efficiency and high quality of machined surface could be accomplished to satisfy modern industrial applications.     

The use of the orthogonal array with grey relational analysis to optimize the electrical discharge machining process with multiple performance characteristics

In this paper a new approach for the optimization of the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process with multiple performance characteristics based on the orthogonal array with the grey relational analysis has been studied. A grey relational grade obtained from the grey relational analysis is used to solve the EDM process with the multiple performance characteristics. Optimal machining parameters can then be determined by the grey relational grade as the performance index. In this study, the machining parameters, namely workpiece polarity, pulse on time, duty factor, open discharge voltage, discharge current, and dielectric fluid are optimized with considerations of multiple performance characteristics including material removal rate, surface roughness, and electrode wear ratio. Experimental results have shown that machining performance in the EDM process can be improved effectively through this approach.     

Geometric modeling of the linear motor driven electrical discharge machining (EDM) die-sinking process

Based on Z-map method, in this paper the development of a geometric model for the linear motor equipped EDM die-sinking process is described. Firstly discussed are the advantages and benefits of the introduction of the linear motor into EDM die-sinker. The current model has been employed to calculate the minimum gap distance for sparks to occur and to analyze the possibility of spark generation between the workpiece and electrode surfaces. Also calculated is the crater formed by a single spark. The final machined surface topography is predicted. The influence of peak current and discharge duration on the average surface roughness is simulated. The experiment has been conducted to study the effects of machining conditions as well as to verify the effectiveness of the developed geometric model.     

Development of hybrid model and optimization of surface roughness in electric discharge machining using artificial neural networks and genetic algorithm

The present work is aimed at optimizing the surface roughness of die sinking electric discharge machining (EDM) by considering the simultaneous affect of various input parameters. The experiments are carried out on Ti6Al4V, HE15, 15CDV6 and M-250. Experiments were conducted by varying the peak current and voltage and the corresponding values of surface roughness (SR) were measured. Multiperceptron neural network models were developed using Neuro Solutions package. Genetic algorithm concept is used to optimize the weighting factors of the network. It is observed that the developed model is within the limits of the agreeable error when experimental and network model results are compared. It is further observed that the error when the network is optimized by genetic algorithm has come down to less than 2% from more than 5%. Sensitivity analysis is also done to find the relative influence of factors on the performance measures. It is observed that type of material effectively influences the performance measures.     

石墨电极电火花加工性能的影响因素分析

影响石墨电极电火花加工性能的因素很多，各因素的合理配合对电火花加工特性有重要的影响。分析了主轴性能、脉冲电源及智能控制、工作液、电参数和加工极性选择等对石墨电极加工性能的影响，为生产实践提供了理论依据。     

工艺参数对电熔爆大长径比异形深孔加工影响规律研究

采用电熔爆加工技术进行大长径比异形深孔加工时,加工表面质量和电极损耗是影响加工效果的主要因素。采取自主开发的异形深孔加工电极,通过单因素试验法研究大长径比异形深孔加工过程中峰值电流、电源电压、电极材料、冷却液压力等工艺参数对加工表面质量和电极损耗的影响;通过正交试验的方法确定各因素影响加工表面质量的主次顺序及最佳工艺参数组合。结果表明：在电极材料为铜钨合金时,峰值电流120 A、电源电压21 V、冷却液压力6 MPa为最佳工艺参数组合。研究结果为电熔爆异形深孔实际加工中的参数选择提供了参考。     

Anomalous influence of polarity in sink EDM of titanium alloys

An anodic tool polarity is generally adopted in sink electrical discharge machining (EDM) to maximize material removal relative to tool wear. Sink EDM of Ti and Ti6Al4V is however atypical in that these materials necessitate a cathodic tool polarity. Adding to the intrigue is γ-TiAl, which machines better under the conventional anodic polarity. This research focused on clarifying the phenomena behind this interesting behavior by investigating removal mechanisms over a range of relevant process conditions. The anomaly is demonstrated to arise from the polarity-dependent nature and extent of TiC formation on the work surface, which significantly affects material removal.     

A comparative study of surface integrity of Ti–6Al–4V alloy machined by EDM and AECG

The electrical discharge machining (EDM) process produces the recast layer with or without cracks on the surface that requires a remedial post-treatment in the manufacture of critical or highly stressed surfaces. One of the frequently used post-treatment processes is also the abrasive electrochemical grinding (AECG) and it has been widely used in the precision machining of difficult-to-cut materials due to an enhanced surface integrity and productivity. The aim of this study is to investigate improvability of surface integrity in terms of machining voltage, electrolyte flow rate and table feed rate parameters of AECG in EDMed Ti6Al4V alloy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrograph (EDS) and surface roughness measurement were performed to study the surface characteristics of the machined samples. Experimental results indicate that the AECG process effectively improves the surface roughness and eliminates the EDM damages completely by setting suitable grinding parameters.     

田口-灰关联法应用于Inconel 718微放电铣削参数最佳化(英文)

应用田口-灰关联法对Inconel 718微放电铣削多重质量特性如电极消耗率、材料去除率和扩口量进行最佳化,分析放电电流、脉冲时间、休止时间和极间间隙对加工Inconel 718之电极消耗率、材料去除率和扩口量的影响。实验结果表明,以最佳微放电铣削参数进行加工,其电极消耗率由5.6×10-9mm3/min降低到5.2×10-9mm3/min,材料去除率由0.47×10-8mm3/min增加到1.68×10-8mm3/min,扩口量由1.27μm降低到1.19μm。研究结果显示,应用田口-灰关联法,可以改善微放电铣削多重质量特性。     

GT35钢结硬质合金电火花加工工艺试验

研究了GT35电火花加工时,峰值电流、脉冲宽度、放电时间等参数对工件加工效率、加工面粗糙度和电极耗损速度等的影响规律,并分析了其作用机理,优化了GT35钢结硬质合金电火花加工工艺参数,为加工复杂型腔GT35钢结硬质合金模具提供了试验依据。     

工艺参数对电火花电弧高效复合加工性能的影响研究

电火花电弧复合加工解决了电火花加工效率低的问题,与电火花加工相比,其加工效率提高了数倍,针对某些材料,其加工效率甚至超过了传统机械加工,但也存在自动化程度低、电极损耗严重等缺陷。利用电火花电弧复合加工技术进行了大量实验,并以此为基础,分析了不同加工参数下的工件性能,得到在不同峰值电流、脉宽、电极主轴转速等参数下的工件加工效率、表面粗糙度及相对电极损耗率的变化规律,以期得出针对不同加工目的的最优工作参数。     

面向三维形貌特征的钛合金电火花成形加工工艺参数优化

由于钛合金的超高硬度,使得切削加工十分困难,且成本巨大,即使耗费很大代价加工出来的产品,其加工质量往往不尽人意。因而,在研究国内外电火花加工技术最新成果的基础上,设计钛合金电火花加工试验,将加工速度、三维表面粗糙度作为评价加工性能的指标,分析了占空比、峰值电流、电压对钛合金加工的影响规律之后,深入研究了钛合金电火花成形加工的工艺特性;以MATLAB R2007b软件为平台,利用BP神经网络建立钛合金电火花加工工艺参数优化模型,并通过加工实验,对其预测结果进行评价。     

Feasibility study of rotary electrical discharge machining with ball burnishing for Al2O3/6061Al composite

This study investigates the feasibility and optimization of a rotary EDM with ball burnishing for inspecting the machinability of Al₂O₃/6061Al composite using the Taguchi method. Three ZrO₂ balls attached as additional components behind the electrode tool offer immediate burnishing following EDM. Three observed values (machining rate, surface roughness and improvement of surface roughness) are adopted to verify the optimization of the machining technique. In addition, six independent parameters are chosen as variables for evaluating the Taguchi method; these variables are categorized into two groups: (1) electrical parameters, i.e. peak current, pulse duration and non-load voltage; and (2) non-electrical parameters, i.e. flushing pressure of dielectric, rotational speed of electrode and residual height of hump. Experimental results indicated a feasible technique for applying rotary EDM with ball burnishing in machining the Al₂O₃/6061 composite. Optimization of this technique is also discussed.     

超声振动磨削放电复合加工SiCp／Al试验研究

针对SiCp／Al的加工,提出一种超声振动磨削放电复合加工的方法．从加工效率、加工稳定性及表面质量等方面与电火花加工进行了对比试验研究。分析了两种加工方法的脉冲宽度和峰值电流对加工速度和表面粗糙度的影响,结果表明：电火花加工的表面粗糙度平均值为尺04．5μm,超声振动磨削放电复合加工的表面粗糙度平均值为Ra2μm：超声振动磨削放电复合加工的稳定性比电火花加工好,但加工速度较低。通过扫描电镜对两种加工方法下零件表面形貌和重熔层进行了观测,对试件表面进行了X射线衍射分析,表明采用超声振动磨削放电复合加工SiCp／Al复合材料可获得较好的表面质量。     

Surface modifications of Al–Zn–Mg alloy using combined EDM with ultrasonic machining and addition of TiC particles into the dielectric

This study proposes a novel combined process that integrates electrical discharge machining (EDM) and ultrasonic machining (USM) to investigate the machining performance and surface modification on Al–Zn–Mg alloy. In the experiment, TiC particles were added into the dielectric to explore the influence of the combined process on the material removal rate (MRR), the relative electrode wear ratio (REWR), the surface roughness and the expansion of the machined hole. The elemental distributions of titanium and carbon on the cross-section were quantitatively determined using an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). Microhardness and wear resistance tests were conducted to evaluate the modifications on the machined surface caused by the combined process. The experimental results show that the combined process was associated with improved machining performance. The combination of EDM with USM yielded an alloyed layer that improved the hardness and wear resistance of the machined surface.     

日本放电加工的新方法和新技术

综述了日本在放电加工领域的最新研究动态，包括成形放电加工、微细放电加工和线切割放电加工三部分内容。在成形放电加工方面，主要介绍一项新技术——气中放电高速三维空腔铣的原理、实验装置及加工效果；在微细放电加工方面，主要介绍一种新近开发的可同时加工微细轴和微孔的自动微孔加工装置和目前已加工出的微细轴的最小尺寸；在线切割放电加工方面，主要介绍了提高圆角加工精度的新方法、提高放电位置可控性的新方法和新的硅锭切片方法。     

Efficient machining of complex-shaped seal slots for turbomachinery

Complex sealing arrangement in turbomachinery can increase turbine efficiency by reducing leakage of high-pressure cooling flows into the hot gas path. While die-sinking EDM is widely used to machine straight seal slots, electrode preparation and wear make it less efficient for complex shapes. This paper presents research on optimisation of a variant of EDM milling using process control and fluid dynamics simulation to exploit optimal machining conditions. The analysis demonstrates a stable process to machine complex shaped slots by focusing on the key requirements for large-scale turbomachinery component manufacture, namely productivity, surface integrity and process monitoring.