Investigation into electrochemical micromachining (EMM) through response surface methodology based approach

Electrochemical micromachining (EMM) could be used as one the best micromachining technique for machining electrically conducting, tough and difficult to machine material with appropriate machining parameters combination. This paper attempts to establish a comprehensive mathematical model for correlating the interactive and higher-order influences of various machining parameters, i.e. machining voltage pulse on/off ratio, machining voltage, electrolyte concentration, voltage frequency and tool vibration frequency on the predominant micromachining criteria, i.e. the material removal rate and the radial overcut through response surface methodology (RSM), utilizing relevant experimental data as obtained through experimentation. Validity and correctiveness of the developed mathematical models have also been tested through analysis of variance. Optimal combination of these predominant micromachining process parameters is obtained from these mathematical models for higher machining rate with acuuracy. Considering MRR and ROC simultaneously optimum values of predominant process parameters have been obtained as; pulse on/off ratio, 1.0, machining voltage, 3 V, electrolyte concentration, 15 g/l, voltage frequency of 42.118 Hz and tool vibration frequency as 300 Hz. The effects of various process parameters on the machining rate and radial overcut are also highlighted through different response surface graphs. Condition of machined micro-holes are also exhibited through the SEM micrographs in this paper. Pulse voltage pattern during electrochemical micromachining process has been analyzed with the help of voltage graphs. Irregularities in the nature of pulse voltage pattern during electrochemical micromachining have been observed and the causes of these irregularities are further investigated.     

旋转超声电解复合加工小孔流场仿真

为解决电解加工深小孔中电解液难以进入加工区和电解产物难以排出的问题,构建了内喷式旋转超声电解复合加工装置,进行了电解加工、旋转电解加工和旋转超声电解复合加工小孔的对比试验。试验结果表明,阴极旋转能明显提高孔的圆度,旋转超声电解复合加工具有最大的平均加工电流,所加工孔的直径、深度都为三者中最大,表明其材料去除率是最大的。在此基础上,利用有限元ANSYS CFX软件,建立了气液两相流三维气穴模型,分析了阴极旋转和阴极高频振动对电解加工流场、电场的影响。仿真结果表明：阴极旋转使得气泡在阴极表面聚集,不利于气泡的排出,阴极振动加速了电解液的运动,有利于气泡的排出,因此具有最大的材料去除率。     

Parametric analysis on electrochemical discharge machining of silicon nitride ceramics

The electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) process has a potential in the machining of silicon nitride ceramics. This paper describes the development of a second order, non-linear mathematical model for establishing the relationship among machining parameters, such as applied voltage, electrolyte concentration and inter-electrode gap, with the dominant machining process criteria, namely material removal rate (MRR), radial overcut (ROC) and thickness of heat affected zone (HAZ), during an ECDM operation on silicon nitride. The model is developed based on response surface methodology (RSM) using the relevant experimental data, which are obtained during an ECDM micro-drilling operation on silicon nitride ceramics. We also offer an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a confirmation test to verify the fit and adequacy of the developed mathematical models. From the parametric analyses based on mathematical modelling, it can be recommended that applied voltage has more significant effects on MRR, ROC and HAZ thickness during ECDM micro-drilling operation as compared to other machining parameters such as electrolyte concentration and inter-electrode gap.     

磁场电化学磁粒复合光整加工实验研究

开发出一种新的光整加工工艺－磁场电化学磁粒复合光整加工。研究了磁场环境下离子运动轨迹方程,分析了复合光整加工的原理并进行了相应的实验,由于洛仑兹力和电场力的综合作用,改变了离子运动轨迹,使被加工表面峰点电流密度更集中,磁场的搅拌作用,加快了电化学过程,使极间电流密度增大,蚀除速度加快,磁场电化学磁粒复合光整加工,与磁粒光整加工,电化学磁粒光整加工相比,提高了加工效率,改善了表面粗糙度。     

Surface characteristics of ECMed titanium work samples for biomedical applications

Electrochemical machining (ECM) process has great potential on account of the versatility of its applications. ECM is being widely used in the manufacturing industry because hard metals can be machined regardless of the mechanical property of a work piece. Titanium is broadly used in a number of fields such as aerospace, power generation, automotive, chemical including petrochemical, and sporting goods. Apart from these applications, it has tremendous prospective in dental, medical industries, and biomedical engineering. The biological performance of titanium implant depends on their surface topography and form accuracy that includes various surface parameters. ECM is one of the alternative machining processes that can be applied to the machining of titanium implant for biomedical applications. The aim of this paper is to present experimental result of surface characteristics obtained on titanium samples, utilizing developed cross-flow electrolyte supply system in electrochemical machining. It is observed that electrolyte flow velocity and voltage between electrodes are some of the influencing parameters, which affect the surface characteristics. Titanium oxide layer has been generated on the machined surface, which facilitates the improvement of the corrosion and chemical resistance of titanium implant. Effects of electrolyte flow velocity and voltage during electrochemical machining process for generation of various surface characteristics have been successfully studied through experimentation. In the present work, the obtained surface roughness values on the titanium sample machined by ECM were in the range of 2.4 to 2.93???m, which is within acceptable value for the implants. Effects of electrolyte flow velocity and voltage on the material removal rate and machining accuracy in the form of overcut are also presented in the paper.     

钛合金疏水表面微坑阵列的掩膜电解加工仿真与分析

为改善钛合金疏水性能,获得较高的接触角,使用掩膜电解技术对钛合金进行了凹坑阵列表面微织构的加工。首先,建立微坑阵列掩膜电解加工的数学模型并进行多物理场耦合仿真;其次,分析掩膜电解加工参数对微坑阵列的作用,并借助润湿理论模型获得微坑阵列的固-液接触面积比;最后,以该面积比为因变量,以电解质质量分数、电解电压和掩膜尺寸为自变量,进行正交试验仿真和极差分析,获得最佳工艺参数组合。与仿真预测值相比,微坑阵列单元体直径、间距、深度、固-液接触面积比和表面接触角的测量值误差均小于8%,从而表明该方法在未经低表面能材料修饰的情况下,成功制备了接触角约为140°的微坑阵列。     

Weld profile,microstructure, and mechanical property of laser-welded butt joints of 5A06 Al alloy with static magnetic field support

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) is a suitable process for the fabrication of microholes and microchannels in the nonconductive materials such as glass. In the ECDM milling, in some conditions, the tool is penetrated to the workpiece, which may lead to a breakage in the tool. In order to avoid the tool breakage, machining the parameters such as feed rate should be selected appropriately. In this study, the bending force applied on the tool was evaluated as a function of tool diameter, electrolyte concentration, presence of the magnetic field, and tool feed rate. The maximum feed rate, which keeps the bending tool force in the constant ranges, is desirable. According to the experimental results and combination of the machining parameters, the optimum feed rate was obtained. The results showed a decrease in the bending force by increasing the electrolyte concentration and elevating the applied voltage. In addition, the significant effect of a magnetic field on the reduction of bending force in the lower concentration of electrolyte (15 wt%) was observed.     

微细孔电解加工控制方法及试验研究

基于微细电解加工的特点，介绍了一种微细电解加工系统。该系统能够将加工间隙控制到几微米到几十微米的范围内。根据电解加工以离子形式对材料去除的特性，进行微细电极、微细群电极的制备研究，并将其用于微细孔、群孔的加工中。试验分析了各工艺参数如电压、溶液浓度、加工间隙、进给速度等对微细孔电解加工精度的影响。结果表明，微细电解加工的侧面间隙随着加工电压的降低、溶液浓度的减小、脉宽变窄和初始加工间隙的减小而减小，改善了加工的定域性，加工精度得到提高。     

Modeling and experimental study on breakdown voltage (BV) in low speed wire electrical discharge machining (LS-WEDM) of Ti-6Al-4V

In this study, the breakdown voltage behavior in low speed wire electrical discharge machining (LS-WEDM) of Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) in the deionized water is investigated. Firstly, the electric field distortion caused by impurity particles including TC4 or brass metal and bubbles is investigated. And then the breakdown voltage model of TC4 machined by LS-WEDM is established and the experimental verification result indicates that the model predicting results conforms to the actual processing and could be well follow experimental results. Second, the influence of breakdown voltage on surface roughness and kerf width has been revealed, it can be found that the kerf width decreases, and the surface roughness increases as breakdown voltage increased. Besides, the voids become bigger and the surface cracks become deeper and wider with the breakdown voltage increased based on analysis of experiment results but for microcracks distributed on spherical or irregular attachments are not influenced by breakdown voltage due to their randomness. Meanwhile, the transparent bubbles of diameter of 400 nm can be observed near the droplet on the machined surface and its major composing element is oxygen. Finally, internal voids can be found in the joint of deterioration layer and the substrate which will make the combination of deterioration layer and the substrate not strong and easy to fall off.     

Micro-structuring of glass with features less than 100 μm by electrochemical discharge machining

Micro-electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) was studied in order to improve the machining of 3D micro-structures of glass. To minimize structures and obtain good surface microstructures, the effects of the electrolyte, the pulse on/off-time ratio, the voltage, the feedrate, the rotational speed, and the electrolyte concentration in the drilling and milling processes were studied.In ECDM, voltage is applied to generate a gas film and sparks on a tool electrode; however, high voltage produces poor machining resolution. To obtain a stable gas film over the whole surface of the tool at a low voltage, a new mechanical contact detector, based on a loadcell, was used; the immersion depth of the tool electrode in the electrolyte was reduced as much as possible. In this study, various micro-structures less than 100 μm in size, such as Ø 60 μm micro-holes, a 10 μm-thin wall, and a 3D micro-structure were fabricated to demonstrate the potential for micro-machining of glass by ECDM.     

放电参数对PCD表层材料微观结构影响的实验研究

通过调整电火花成形加工的主要放电参数,对聚晶金刚行（PCD）样品进行放电加工。进而对加工样品进行X射线衍射分析,并住扣描电子显微镜下观察其表层结构。弄清了放电加：亡后PCD表面变质层的主要成分,分析了变质层产生的原因,总结了脉冲宽度和加工电流对PCD表面变质层深度、表面粗糙度影响的关系曲线。为制定PCD放电加工工艺提供了重要的实验依据。     

Study of electrochemical machining characteristics of Al/SiCp composites

Non-conventional machining is increasing in importance due to some of the specific advantages which can be exploited during machining operation. Electrochemical machining (ECM) appears to be a promising technique, since in many areas of application, it offers several special advantages including higher machining rate, better precision and control, and a wider range of materials that can be machined. The present work is, therefore, initiated to investigate the influence of some predominant electrochemical process parameters such as applied voltage, electrolyte concentration, electrolyte flow rate and tool feed rate on the metal removal rate (MRR), and surface roughness (Ra) to fulfill the effective utilization of electrochemical machining of LM25 Al/10%SiC composites produced through stir casting. The contour plots are generated to study the effect of process parameters as well as their interactions. The process parameters are optimized based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM).     

Application of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and cuckoo optimization algorithm for analyzing electro chemical machining process

Electrochemical machining process (ECM) is increasing its importance due to some of the specific advantages which can be exploited during machining operation. The process offers several special privileges such as higher machining rate, better accuracy and control, and wider range of materials that can be machined. Contribution of too many predominate parameters in the process, makes its prediction and selection of optimal values really complex, especially while the process is programmized for machining of hard materials. In the present work in order to investigate effects of electrolyte concentration, electrolyte flow rate, applied voltage and feed rate on material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR) the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) have been used for creation predictive models based on experimental observations. Then the ANFIS 3D surfaces have been plotted for analyzing effects of process parameters on MRR and SR. Finally, the cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA) was used for selection solutions in which the process reaches maximum material removal rate and minimum surface roughness simultaneously. Results indicated that the ANFIS technique has superiority in modeling of MRR and SR with high prediction accuracy. Also, results obtained while applying of COA have been compared with those derived from confirmatory experiments which validate the applicability and suitability of the proposed techniques in enhancing the performance of ECM process.     

Investigation into fabrication of microslot arrays by electrochemical micromachining

Maskless electrochemical micromachining (EMM) is a prominent and unique surface texturing method to fabricate the arrays of microslots. This article investigates the generation of microslot arrays using maskless EMM method. The developed prototype maskless EMM setup consists of EMM cell, power supply connections, electrode holding devices and constricted vertical cross flow electrolyte system for the fabrication of microslot arrays economically. One textured cathode tool with SU-8 2150 mask is used to produce 22 microslot arrays. Influences of EMM process parameters including voltage, electrolyte concentration, inter electrode gap, flow rate and machining time on the machining performance that is, width overcut, depth and surface roughness (R_a) of microslot arrays are investigated. For lower width overcut, controlled depth, and lower surface roughness, machining with lower voltage, lower electrolyte concentration, lower inter electrode gap, higher flow rate and lower machining time are recommended. From the analysis, it is observed that the best machining conditions including inter electrode gap of 50?μm, applied voltage of 6 V, electrolyte concentration of 20?g L^?1, flow rate of 5.35 m³ hr^?1 and machining time of 1?min fabricate regular microslot array with mean width overcut of 24.321?μm, mean machining depth of 10.7?μm and mean surface roughness of 0.0101?μm.     

Electrical discharge machining with ultralow discharge energy

The possibility of electrical discharge machining (EDM) with ultralow discharge energy has been investigated. EDM using an RC discharge circuit was performed at low open-circuit voltages and a capacitance of approximately 30 pF. Workpieces were ultrasonically vibrated to remove debris and bubbles from the discharge gap, thus preventing short-circuiting. The machining proceeded at voltages lower than 15 V at a vibration amplitude of 0.4 μm. The maximum discharge energy per pulse is as small as approximately 3 nJ under these conditions. The volumetric electrode wear ratio can be 0.2% at voltages lower than 40 V, while it is normally more than 1% for EDM using an RC discharge circuit. Workpiece surfaces processed at voltages of 20 V or lower are smooth and free of observable discharge craters, and show no typical features of surfaces machined by EDM.     

Experimental investigation on electrochemical grinding (ECG) of alumina-aluminum interpenetrating phase composite

The present paper focuses on the evaluation of material removal rate (MRR), surface finish, and cutting forces during electrochemical grinding of Al₂O₃/Al interpenetrating phase composite. The effect of electrolyte concentration, supply voltage, depth of cut, and electrolyte flow rate on machining performances has been studied. The characteristic features of the electrochemical grinding (ECG) process are explored through Taguchi-design-based experimental studies with various process parametric combinations and finally the process has been optimized. The mechanism of material removal and surface characteristics under different grinding conditions have been studied through SEM micrograph. Besides, another set of experimental investigation has been carried out in order to identify the influence of different type of electrolytes and degree of reduction in grinding force in ECG. Finally, a comparative study of conventional and electrochemical grinding of this special class of material has been carried out.     

INFLUENCE OF MAGNETIC FIELD ON ACCURACY OF ECM BY CHANGING THE CONDUCTIVITY OF ANODE FILM

The change of conductivity, thickness and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） appearance of the anode film of CrWMn in 10% NaNO3 at different anode potential either with or without the magnetic field applied are investigated by testing film resistance, galvanostatic transient and using SEM to design magnetic circuit in magnetic assisted electrochemical machining （MAECM）. The experiments show that the anode film has semi-conducting property. Compared with the situation without magnetic field applied, the resistance of the film formed at 1 .SV （anode potential） increased and decreased at 4.0V while B=0.4T and the magnetic north pole points toward anode. The SEM photo demonstrates that the magnetic field will densify the film in the passivation area and quicken dissolution of the anode metal in over-passivation area. Based on the influence of magnetic field on electrochemical machining（ECM） due to the changes of the anode film conductivity behavior, the magnetic north pole should be designed to point towards the workpiece surface that has been machined. Process experiments agree with the results of test analysis.     

基于圆台形热传导模型的慢走丝线切割仿真与试验

基于放电通道中等离子体的形成机理,根据慢走丝线切割在短脉冲放电加工时放电通道中电子流与离子流散射速度的差异,提出了圆台形热传导模型。采用基于圆台形热传导模型的有限单元法对航空材料Inconel 718的典型工况进行了仿真计算,系统地分析了放电能量对放电通道温度以及放电蚀坑深度的影响规律,并采用声发射检测技术在线监测慢走丝线切割的加工表面粗糙度。通过仿真结果与试验测得工件表面粗糙度Rt值的对比,再结合试验测得的声发射信号波形图特征及声发射信号均方根值发现：仿真计算得到的放电蚀坑深度与表面粗糙度Rt值吻合较好;声发射信号的强度随着放电能量的增加而增强,声发射信号强度随着放电温度变化速率的变小而减弱。最后回归分析得到材料表面粗糙度与声发射信号均方根值的数学预测模型,预测结果与测得的表面粗糙度误差仅为4.4%。     

慢走丝电火花线切割粗加工仿真系统的开发

为对电火花线切割加工机理有更深刻的认识,了解加工参数对加工精度的影响规律,介绍了一个电火花线切割加工粗加工的仿真系统。仿真系统通过对放电点的探索、工件的去除以及对线电极丝振动的分析,将实际的加工现象形象地再现于计算机上。为证实仿真系统的正确性,将仿真结果与试验结果进行了比较。在试验结果的获取中,为能够得到很难测量的线电极周围的放电间隙和工件形状数据,提出一种新的三维形状测量方法。通过对仿真结果和试验结果的比较,定性地证明了仿真方法的正确性。研究结果表明:改变线电极张力及伺服电压值时,从仿真过程得到的加工形状结果与试验得到的加工形状结果其倾向基本一致;加工缝端部的形状呈凸形还是呈凹形,取决于加工过程中放电爆发力和静电引力的相对大小。     

高频窄脉冲微细电解加工实验研究

加工间隙是电解加工的核心工艺参数,利用在45钢薄片上打微细孔,通过实验分析来探索高频、窄脉冲微细电解加工中频率、电压和电解液浓度对加工间隙及电极截面和加工稳定性的影响规律。