Probability of precision micro-machining of insulating Si3N4 ceramics by EDM

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is used as a precision machining method for the electrically conductive hard materials with a soft electrode material. But recently we succeeded to machine on insulating material by EDM. The technology is named as an assisting electrode method. The EDMed surface is covered with the electrical conductive layer during discharge. The layer holds the electrical conductivity during discharge. For micro-EDM, the wear of tool electrode becomes lager ratio than the normal machining. So the micro-machining is extremely difficult to get the precision sample.

In this paper to obtain a fine and precise ceramics sample, some trials were carried out considering the EDM conditions, tool electrodes material and assisting electrode materials. Insulating Si₃N₄ ceramics were used for workpiece. The machining properties were estimated by the removal rate and tool wear ratio. To confirm the change of micro-machining process, the discharge waveforms were observed. The micro-machining of the Ø0.05 mm hole could be machined with the commercial sinking electrical discharge machine.     

Layer Generation Process on Work-piece in Electrical Discharge Machining

In recant years, surface modification of metals and machining of insulating ceramics by electrical discharge machining (EDM) have been successfully carried out. In surface modification by EDM with semi-sintered electrodes, worn substances in the gap region form the material source of the layer generated on the work-piece surface. In the machining of insulating ceramics by EDM, a crystallized carbon layer or carbide layer from the working oil covers the surface of the insulator. Increase in the thickness of the generated layer, however, tends to stop at a certain maximum value in both surface modification by EDM with semi-sintered electrodes and machining of insulating ceramics by EDM processes. In these machining operations, accretion and removal phenomena occur alternately. In this paper, the mechanisms of machining insulators and the accretion process are discussed considering the characteristics of the generated layers on the work-piece surface.     

Manufacturing linear and circular contours using CNC EDM and frame type tools

In traditional electro discharge machining (EDM) the usual practice is to form a 3D female cavity in the work piece by making a corresponding male shaped tool and plunging this into the work piece. Recently, however, computer numerical control (CNC) EDM machines have become available which have the potential to generate a detailed shape without using complex electrodes. This paper describes a novel method of electro discharge machining which makes the generation of linear, circular and curved contours possible without any special electrodes. The experimental work employs CNC EDM, mild steel work pieces and inexpensive “frame type” copper tools. The results indicate, relative to the cavities produced, an improved effective material removal rate (MRR), a better surface finish and a lower powered machine. The paper also introduces the effect of EDM parameters on the process performance by modelling and analysing the experimental results using statistical techniques. Finally, a few applications are discussed.     

Fabrication of micro-electrodes by multi-EDM grinding process

In this study, a multi-EDM grinding process is adapted to fabricate micro-electrodes. Equipments such as a wire EDM machine and a traditional CNC-EDM machine are used for machining micro-electrodes. Rod electrodes of copper with diameter 3.0 mm were cut to be 0.15 mm on wire-EDM machine at first step. EDM grinding process was used to grind micro-electrodes to fine diameter bellow 20 μm on a CNC-EDM machine at second step. For EDM grinding, rotating mechanisms are mounted on both the WEDM machine and the CNC-EDM machine. A CCD camera is provided for viewing and for on-line dimensional controlling, when micro-electrodes were cutting. Fine electrodes could be processed to a smaller size using proposed two-steps EDM grinding process. Higher L/D ratio could be also achieved by this method. The processed fine electrodes can be used for drilling micro-holes, micro-deep holes, micro-milling, micro-punching, and manufacturing of micro-nozzles.     

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.     

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.     

电阻率对工程陶瓷电火花加工性能的影响研究

常用的工程陶瓷电阻率较高,直接采用电火花加工,性能较差。以ZnO/Al_2O_3陶瓷为例,研究了电阻率和脉冲宽度、脉冲间隔、工具极性等工艺参数对电火花加工工艺性能的影响。结果表明:采取合适的放电加工参数,在ZnO/Al2O3的电阻率达到3410Ω·cm时仍可对其进行有效的电火花加工。     

电火花线切割加工铜钨合金切缝宽度及加工精度影响因素研究

铜钨合金是一种广泛应用于精密及难加工材料电火花成形加工的低损耗电极材料。在窄缝、清棱清角、高纵横比等结构的电极加工中,低速走丝电火花线切割加工较传统加工方法具有一定的优势。通过单因素实验研究了电火花线切割加工参数对铜钨合金粗加工切缝宽度、加工速度及表面粗糙度的影响规律,为实际加工提供理论指导。     

一种电火花加工螺纹电极的定位方法

介绍了一种电火花加工螺纹电极的定位方法,使得电火花加工螺纹型腔时,可以使用多个电极进行粗、精加工,达到提高螺纹精度及降低表面粗糙度值的目的,并可实现模具试模后对螺纹型腔的尺寸修整。     

Influences of pulsed power condition on the machining properties in micro EDM

Micro EDM is one of the most powerful technologies which are capable of fabricating micro-structure. However, there are many operating parameters that affect the micro EDM process. Since the EDM is basically a thermal process, the supplying electrical condition can be an important factor. The conditions generally consist of several parameters such as electrical current, voltage, pulse duration, spark gap, and others. Those are decisive in removal rate, wear rate, and machining accuracy, which are characteristics of EDM. In this study, the influences of EDM pulse condition on the micro EDM properties were investigated. Voltage, current, and on/off time of the pulse were selected as experimental parameters based on a simple equation for the material removal rate. The pulse condition is particularly focused on the pulse duration and the ratio of off-time to on-time, and the machining properties are reported on tool wear, material removal rate, and machining accuracy. The experimental results show that the voltage and current of the pulse exert strongly to the machining properties and the shorter EDM pulse is more efficient to make a precision part with a higher material removal rate.     

电火花诱导烧蚀磨削修整复合加工方法研究

针对放电诱导烧蚀加工在高效加工的同时易在工件表面产生巨大烧蚀坑的问题,提出了电火花诱导烧蚀磨削修整复合加工方法。对钛合金TC4进行了电火花加工、烧蚀加工、诱导烧蚀磨削修整复合加工的对比实验,研究机械磨削作用对烧蚀性能的影响。在钛合金烧蚀加工实验过程中,用复合机械磨头进行修整能显著提高加工效率,达到1107 mm3/min,是同等条件下电火花加工的6.77倍、烧蚀加工的1.27倍。由于存在机械磨削修整作用,可在线去除烧蚀产物,露出基体材料,工件表面粗糙度优于烧蚀加工,甚至优于同等电参数下的电火花加工,达到了在获得高效加工的同时提升表面质量的目的。     

喷丝板小孔电火花加工工艺研究

研究了喷丝板小孔的放电加工工艺和对应电极的制造技术,先用数控加工的方法制造电极,再用电极对小孔进行批量加工。通过优化电极结构、电极制造工艺以及小孔的放电加工工艺,缩短了总体加工时间,并保证了加工的安全性,提高了加工效率。     

Electrical Discharge Surface Alloying of Ti and Fe Workpiece Materials Using Refractory Powder Compact Electrodes and Cu Wire

The paper reviews the use of metal powders dispersed in the dielectric fluid and refractory PM electrodes, to initiate workpiece surface modification during EDM. Experimental work details the effects of EDM parameters (up to 270 V) on the hardness/composition of the white layer following die sink machining of AISI H13 tool steel and roll texturing of 2% Cr steel using partially sintered PM electrodes. Similar data are presented following EDM scanning and wire cutting of standard TI alloy TI-6AI-4V and a y TIAI. With AISI H13, recast layers were 5-20 μm thick and up to ∼ 1350 HK_0.025. When machining TI-6AI-4V with WC/Co electrodes, recast microhardness was 600-2900 HK_0.025. Wire cutting y TIAI generated porous alloyed layers up to 115 μm thick with extensive cracks and no increase in bulk hardness.     

A new method of optimising material removal rate using EDM with copper–tungsten electrodes

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is widely used in the production of dies. This paper describes an investigation into the optimisation of the process which uses the effect of carbon which has migrated from the dielectric to tungsten–copper electrodes. This work has led to the development of a two-stage EDM machining process where different EDM settings are used for the two stages of the process giving a significantly improved material removal rate for a given tool wear ratio.     

小孔的等面积分流法电火花加工试验研究

介绍一种金属材料小孔的等面积分流法电火花加工.在电火花成形机上,通过改变制作电极的方法,采用电极等面积分流方法和稳定加工参数,进行机床稳定状态的临界面积以下尺寸的小孔加工.研究结果表明,等面积分流条件下,用相同加工参数,分流法的加工速度和放电间隙略有减小,而电极损耗稍稍变大.用分流法电火花加工小孔与不分流相比加工速度、放电间隙、电极损耗基本相似.研究结果证明,用分流法电火花加工小孔可改善机床的微小孔加工性能.     

数控电火花高速高精度加工

分析了数控电火花加工特点,介绍了LYNUC数控系统HiPT高速高精度核心控制模块的切削特点。通过实际切削加工案例的分析,证实了在辅助电火花放电加工的切削工序中,HiPT高速高精度模块可以获得高品质的切削电极和放电加工工件,且有效地提高数控电火花加工表面精度和加工效率,降低了生产成本。     

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.     

High-speed dry electrical discharge machining

A novel high-speed dry electrical discharge machining (EDM) method was proposed in this study. Using this method, the material can be rapidly melted by extremely high discharge energy and flushed out of the discharge gap by high-pressure and high-speed air flow. The material removal rate (MRR) of dry EDM was significantly improved by the proposed method. The MRR of dry EDM is usually in tens mm³/min, whereas the MRR of the proposed method can be as high as 5162 mm³/min, which improves the MRR by 2nd to 3rd order of magnitude. Investigation was conducted systemically. The influences of work piece polarity, discharge current, pulse duration time, gas pressure, and electrode rotation speed on machining performance were studied. The machining mechanism of this method was thoroughly analyzed. Moreover, the re-solidified layer, surface morphology, elementary composition, and phase of AISI 304 stainless steel for high-speed dry EDM were also investigated. Theoretical and technical foundations were laid for the industry application of dry EDM.     

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.     

整体叶轮电火花加工电极的成形电铸

电火花加工是整体叶轮的主要加工工艺方法之一,其中工具电极的制造是关键.研究了采用电铸技术制备电火花加工工具电极.由于电极结构复杂,电沉积时电场发生畸变,导致阴极表面的电场分布极不均匀,侧壁与底部结合处的电流密度远小于阴极表面其他地方的电流密度,针对这种情况,通过增加辅助阳极、屏蔽侧面等改善措施,成功制备了工具电极.