Surface integrity and material removal mechanisms associated with the EDM of Al2O3 ceramic composite

Electric discharge machining (EDM) has been proven as an alternate process for machining complex and intricate shapes from the conductive ceramic composites. The performance and reliability of electrical discharge machined ceramic composite components are influenced by strength degradation due to EDM-induced damage. The success of electric discharge machined components in real applications relies on the understanding of material removal mechanisms and the relationship between the EDM parameters and formation of surface and subsurface damages. This paper presents a detailed investigation of machining characteristics, surface integrity and material removal mechanisms of advanced ceramic composite Al₂O₃–SiC_w–TiC with EDM. The surface and subsurface damages have also been assessed and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results provide valuable insight into the dependence of damage and the mechanisms of material removal on EDM conditions.     

Investigation of the spark cycle on material removal rate in wire electrical discharge machining of advanced materials

The development of new, advanced engineering materials and the need for precise and flexible prototypes and low-volume production have made the wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) an important manufacturing process to meet such demands. This research investigates the effect of spark on-time duration and spark on-time ratio, two important EDM process parameters, on the material removal rate (MRR) and surface integrity of four types of advanced material: porous metal foams, metal bond diamond grinding wheels, sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets, and carbon–carbon bipolar plates. An experimental procedure was developed. During the wire EDM, five types of constraints on the MRR due to short circuit, wire breakage, machine slide speed limit, and spark on-time upper and lower limits are identified. An envelope of feasible EDM process parameters is generated for each work-material. Applications of such a process envelope to select process parameters for maximum MRR and for machining of micro features are discussed. Results of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of surface integrity are presented.     

Improvement of surface finish on SKD steel using electro-discharge machining with aluminum and surfactant added dielectric

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) process is widely used to process hard materials in the industry. Electrical discharge distribution effects can be achieved by the addition of Al powder in the dielectric. A fine surface roughness value of the workpiece is thus obtained. However, the electrostatic force among fine Al particles is found to agglomerate the Al powders in the dielectric. A surfactant can be adopted to separate the Al powder in the dielectric homogenously. A better surface even the mirror-like quality of the EDMed workpiece is thus desired. In the study, the effect of surfactant and Al powders added in the dielectric on the surface status of the workpiece after EDM is investigated.It is observed the best distribution effect is found when the concentrations of the Al powder and surfactant in the dielectric are 0.1 and 0.25 g/L, respectively. An optimal surface roughness (Ra) value of 0.172 μm is achieved under the following parameter—positive polarity, discharge current 0.3 A, pulse duration time 1.5 μs, open circuit potential 140 V, gap voltage 90 V and surfactant concentration 0.25 g/L.The surface roughness status of the workpiece has been improved up to 60% as compared to that EDMed under pure dielectric with high surface roughness Ra of 0.434 μm.     

EDM performance of Cr/Cu-based composite electrodes

Electrode materials for electrical discharge machining (EDM) are usually graphite, copper and copper alloys because these materials have high melting temperature, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. The electrodes made by using powder metallurgy technology from special powders have been used to modify EDM surfaces in recent years, to improve wear and corrosion resistance. However, electrodes are normally fabricated at high temperatures and pressures, such that fabrication is expensive. This paper proposes a new method of blending the copper powders contained resin with chromium powders to form tool electrodes. Such electrodes are made at low pressure (20 MPa) and temperature (200 °C) in a hot mounting machine. The results showed that using such electrodes facilitated the formation of a modified surface layer on the work piece after EDM, with remarkable corrosion resistant properties. The optimal mixing ratio, appropriate pressure, and proper machining parameters (such as polarity, peak current, and pulse duration) were used to investigate the effect of the material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR), surface roughness, and thickness of the recast layer on the usability of these electrodes. According to the experimental results, a mixing ratio of Cu–0wt%Cr and a sinter pressure of 20 MPa obtained an excellent MRR. Moreover, this work also reveals that the composite electrodes obtained a higher MRR than Cu metal electrodes; the recast layer was thinner and fewer cracks were present on the machined surface. Furthermore, the Cr elements in the composite electrode migrated to the work piece, resulting in good corrosion resistance of the machined surface after EDM.     

A study of EDM and ECM/ECM-lapping complex machining technology

EDM (electrodischarge machining) and ECM (electrochemical machining)/ECM-lapping complex machining is investigated in this paper. First, EDM shaping and ECM finishing technology are investigated. These processes are carried out in sequence on the same machine tool with the same electrode (copper) and the same machining liquid (water). Two types of EDM and ECM complex machining are investigated. One is with a formed electrode, and the other is with simple-shape electrode scanning. The complex machining with electrode scanning is applied to produce small and various-shaped components without making a formed electrode. The EDM surface of 1 μm Ra is improved to 0.2 μm Ra by applying ECM. Second, in order to get a smoother surface, a new EDM and ECM-lapping complex machining technology is developed. The surface roughness of a machined hole is improved to 0.07 μm Ra by applying 2 min of ECM lapping. The surface finishing of a hole shape is demonstrated with the complex machining technology.     

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.     

形状记忆合金非常规加工综述(英文)

形状记忆合金(SMAs)由于具有多种特殊性能,如伪弹性、形状记忆效应、生物相容性、高的比强度、高耐蚀性、高耐磨性、良好的抗疲劳性能,成为不断发展的先进材料。因此,形状记忆合金被广泛应用于航空航天、医疗和汽车等方面。然而,由于严重的加工硬化和伪弹性,形状记忆合金的传统加工会造成严重的刀具磨损、费时以及低维畸变。这些材料可以使用非传统的方法,如激光加工、水射流加工(WJM)和电化学加工(ECM)进行机械加工,但这些方法受限于该材料的复杂性和力学性能。而电火花加工(EDM)和线切割(WEDM)能够很好的加工具有复杂形状和精密尺寸的形状记忆合金。介绍大量关于使用电火花和线切割加工形状记忆合金的研究,分析不同研究的差异,并展望未来的研究趋势。     

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.     

Machining performance on hybrid process of abrasive jet machining and electrical discharge machining

To develop a hybrid process of abrasive jet machining (AJM) and electrical discharge machining (EDM),the effects of the hybrid process parameters on machining performance were comprehensively investigated to confirm the benefits of this hybrid process.The appropriate abrasives delivered by high speed gas media were incorporated with an EDM in gas system to construct the hybrid process of AJM and EDM,and then the high speed abrasives could impinge on the machined surface to remove the recast layer caused by EDM process to increase the efficiency of material removal and reduce the surface roughness.In this study,the benefits of the hybrid process were determined as the machining performance of hybrid process was compared with that of the EDM in gas system.The main process parameters were varied to explore their effects on material removal rate,surface roughness and surface integrities.The experimental results show that the hybrid process of AJM and EDM can enhance the machining efficiency and improve the surface quality.Consequently,the developed hybrid process can fit the requirements of modern manufacturing applications.     

A comparative experimental study of machining characteristics in vibratory, rotary and vibro-rotary electro-discharge machining

This paper compares the effects of high- and low-frequency forced axial vibration of the electrode, rotation of the electrode, and combinations of these methods in respect of material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate and surface roughness in die sinking electro-discharge machining (EDM) with a flat electrode (planing mode).

The results of the combined states of rotation and vibration at high and low frequency (vibro-rotary EDM) are compared in order to establish which combinations are most appropriate to different machining regimes (finishing, semi-finishing and roughing). It is found that the combination of high-frequency vibration and rotation of the electrode is effective in attaining a high MRR at a specified surface roughness (R_a). This case is modelled by stepwise linear regression. The significant parameters are found by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the optimum machining parameter settings are obtained using overlay contour plots. The advantages of vibration and rotation are seen to combine in this new process when employed for die sinking EDM with a flat electrode.     

Feasibility study of electrical discharge machining for W/Cu composite

This study investigates the feasibility and optimization of electrical discharge machining for inspecting the machinability of W/Cu composites using the Taguchi method. W/Cu composites are a type of cooling material highly resistant to heat corrosion produced through powder metallurgy. As W/Cu composites are highly brittle, they are not suited to be machined of traditional machine manufacturing. This paper utilizes electrical discharge machining, which is thermal processing workpieces and not affected by mechanical properties of materials. This experiment utilizes the Taguchi method and L₁₈ orthogonal table to obtain the polarity, peak current, pulse duration, duty factor, rotary electrode rotational speed, and gap-load voltage in order to explore the material removal rate, electrode wear rate, and surface roughness. The influence of each variable and optimal processing parameter will be obtained through ANOVA analysis and verified through experimentation to improve the process. The final step is to study the surface integrities of W/Cu composite, such as surface profile and heat-affected zone, the energy distribution transferring phenomenon of W/Cu composite, and the discharge phenomenon of tungsten and copper elements with electrical discharge machining.     

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.     

混粉电火花放电蚀坑及温度场仿真研究

混粉电火花加工是一种新型加工工艺,通过在工作液中添加微细粉末,显著改善加工表面粗糙度。电火花加工表面粗糙度的形成与放电蚀坑大小有直接关系,而放电蚀坑大小与单次脉冲放电温度场有密切联系。为了进一步提高混粉加工表面质量,利用ANSYS软件对放电点温度场进行了模拟与分析,得到了工件表层温度场的分布规律,揭示了材料去除机制,阐明了加工表面粗糙度与温度场的关系,对预测和改善混粉加工表面质量及日后生产实际应用提供了一定的理论依据。     

Micro-electrical discharge machining of polycrystalline diamond using rotary cupronickel electrode

Cupronickel was used as the electrode material to fabricate microstructures on polycrystalline diamond by electrical discharge machining (EDM). The electrodes were shaped into tiny rotary wheels driven by the flow of EDM fluid. Results showed that material removal rate was improved by a factor of five compared to conventional electrode materials. Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated that graphitization of diamond and diffusion-based chemical reactions between nickel and diamond dominated the EDM process. Effects of electrode rotation rate and discharge energy on the EDM characteristics were clarified. High form accuracy (∼0.5 μm/1 mm) and low surface roughness (∼0.1 μm Ra) were obtained.     

Evolutionary programming method for modeling the EDM parameters for roughness

The method of electrical discharge machining (EDM), one of the processing methods based on non-traditional manufacturing procedures, is gaining increased popularity, since it does not require cutting tools and allows machining involving hard, brittle, thin and complex geometry.

By using different EDM parameters (current, pulse on-time, pulse off-time, arc voltage), the R_a (μm) roughness value as a result of application of a number of copper electrode-hardened powder metals (cold work tool steel) to a work piece has been investigated, in this study. At the same time, roughness values obtained from the experiments that have been modeled by using the genetic expression programming (GEP) method and a mathematical relationship has been suggested between the GEP model and surface roughness and parameters affecting it. Moreover, EDM has been used by applying copper, copper–tungsten (W–Cu) and graphite electrodes to the same material with experimental parameters designed in accordance with the Taguchi method. Results obtained from this study have been compared among each other and similar studies in the literature.     

Studies on electric-discharge machining of non-contact seal face grooves

In this paper, the electric-discharge machining (EDM) of non-contact seal grooves was studied. Two types of material, namely: tungsten carbide and silicon carbide were tested by EDM due to their hard machining behaviors. The geometry of seal grooves is another reason why grinding or other precision machining processes cannot be applied. Four parameters of EDM processes were studied, namely: electrode material, pulse duration, discharge current, and polarity. According to experimental results, the optimal process parameters were obtained based on the specimen’s qualities, such as surface roughness and depth of cut. An industrial example was also studied in the final stage of the proposed paper.     

Near dry electrical discharge machining

This study investigates the near dry electrical discharge machining (EDM) process. Near dry EDM uses liquid–gas mixture as the two phase dielectric fluid and has the benefit to tailor the concentration of liquid and properties of dielectric medium to meet desired performance targets. A dispenser for minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) is utilized to supply a minute amount of liquid droplets at a controlled rate to the gap between the workpiece and electrode. Wire EDM cutting and EDM drilling are investigated under the wet, dry, and near dry conditions. The mixture of water and air is the dielectric fluid used for near dry EDM in this study. Near dry EDM shows advantages over the dry EDM in higher material removal rate (MRR), sharper cutting edge, and less debris deposition. Compared to wet EDM, near dry EDM has higher material removal rate at low discharge energy and generates a smaller gap distance. However, near dry EDM places a higher thermal load on the electrode, which leads to wire breakage in wire EDM and increases electrode wear in EDM drilling. A mathematical model, assuming that the gap distance consists of the discharge distance and material removal depth, was developed to quantitatively correlate the water–air mixture's dielectric strength and viscosity to the gap distance.     

An investigation of ultrasonic-assisted electrical discharge machining in gas

This study focuses on using ultrasonic to improve the efficiency in electrical discharge machining (EDM) in gas medium. The new method is referred to as ultrasonic-assisted electrical discharge machining (UEDM). In the process of UEDM in gas, the tool electrode is a thin-walled pipe, the high-pressure gas medium is applied from inside, and the ultrasonic actuation is applied onto the workpiece. In our experiment, the workpiece material is AISI 1045 steel and the electrode material is copper. The experiment results indicate that (a) the Material Removal Rate (MRR) is increased with respect to the increase of the open voltage, the pulse duration, the amplitude of ultrasonic actuation, the discharge current, and the decrease of the wall thickness of electrode pipe; and (b) the surface roughness is increased with respect to the increase of the open voltage, the pulse duration, and the discharge current. Based on experimental results, a theoretical model to estimate the MRR and the surface roughness is developed.     

混粉电火花加工技术在粗加工中的应用研究

在对混粉电火花加工机理进行系统研究的基础上，对混粉电火花粗加工中的加工效率和加工表面粗糙度进行了实验研究。结果表明，通过合理选择放电参数，混粉电火花加工在相近加工表面粗糙度时，能显著提高加工效率，从而为混粉电火花加工技术在粗加工中应用提供依据。     

混粉电火花加工机理的分析

论述了混粉电火花加工的发展概况 ,并以实验为基础对其机理进行了分析 ,认为加工表面粗糙度的迅速降低主要是放电通道对熔融金属平整作用的结果。对于这一工艺的加工效率进行了剖析 ,认为从改善表面质量的角度来看 ,混粉电火花加工具有很高的加工效率。通过对电极损耗情况的观察 ,发现电极损耗特性也有一临界点 ,这一点与普通电火花加工相似