Performance and surface alloying characteristics of Cu–Cr and Cu–Mo powder metal tool electrodes in electrical discharge machining

The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of Cu–Cr and Cu–Mo powder metal (PM) tool electrodes on electrical discharge machining (EDM) performance outputs. The EDM performance measures used in the study are material removal rate (MRR), tool electrode wear rate (EWR), average workpiece surface roughness (R_a), machined workpiece surface hardness, abrasive wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and workpiece alloyed layer depth and composition. The EDM performance of Cu–Cr and Cu–Mo PM electrodes produced at three different mixing ratios (15, 25, and 35 wt% Cr or Mo), compacting pressures (P_c = 600, 700, and 800 MPa), and sintering temperatures (T_s = 800, 850, and 900 °C) are compared with those machined with electrolytic Cu and Cu PM electrodes when machining SAE 1040 steel workpiece. Analyses revealed that tool materials were deposited as a layer over the work surface yielding high surface hardness, strong abrasion, and corrosion resistance. Moreover, the mixing ratio, P_c, and T_s affect the MRR, EWR, and R_a values.     

A study of die helical thread cavity surface finish made by Cu-W electrodes with planetary EDM

An experimental research study intended for the application of a planetary electrical discharge machining (EDM) process with copper-tungsten (Cu-W) electrodes in the surface micro-finishing of die helical thread cavities made with AISI H13 tool steel full-hardened at 53 HRC is presented. To establish the EDM parameters’ effect on various surface finishing aspects and metallurgical transformations, three tool electrode Cu-W compositions are selected, and operating parameters such as the open-circuit voltage (U ₀), the discharge voltage (u _e), the peak discharge current (î _e), the pulse-on duration (t _i), the duty factor (τ) and the dielectric flushing pressure (p _in), are correlated. The researched machining characteristics are the material removal rate (MRR—V _w), the relative tool wear ratio (TWR—?), the workpiece surface roughness (SR—Ra), the average white layer thickness (WLT—e _wl) and the heat-affected zone (HAZ—Z _ha). An empirical relation between the surface roughness (SR—Ra) and the energy per discharge (W _e) has been determined. It is analysed that copper-tungsten electrodes with negative polarity are appropriate for planetary EDM die steel surface micro-finishing, allowing the attaining of good geometry accuracy and sharp details. For die steel precision EDM, the relative wear ratio optimum condition and minor surface roughness takes place at a gap voltage of 280 V, discharge current of 0.5–1.0 A, pulse-on duration of 0.8 μs, duty factor of 50%, dielectric flushing pressure of 40 kPa and copper tungsten (Cu20W80) as the tool electrode material with negative polarity. The copper-tungsten electrode’s low material removal rate and low tool-wear ratio allows the machining of EDM cavity surfaces with an accurate geometry and a “mirror-like” surface micro-finishing. A planetary EDM application to manufacture helical thread cavities in steel dies for polymer injection is presented. Conclusions are appointed for the planetary EDM of helical thread cavities with Cu-W electrodes validating the accomplishment as a novel technique for manufacturing processes.     

Investigating and removing the re-sticky debris on tungsten carbide in electrical discharge machining

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is an excellent method to machine tungsten carbide with high hardness and high toughness. However, debris from this material produced by EDM re-sticking on the workpiece surface remarkably affects working efficiency and dimension precision. Therefore, this study investigated the re-sticky phenomenon of tungsten carbide and how to reduce the debris re-sticking on the workpiece surface. In general, the polarity in EDM depended on the different electrical parameters of the machine input and the different materials of the tool electrode. The first item of investigation observed the re-sticky position of the debris to study the effect of different polarities during the EDM process. Next, the tool electrode was set at different conditions without rotation and with a 200 rpm rotational speed to evaluate the rotating effect in EDM. Finally, different lift distances of the electrode and different shapes of electrode with rotation were utilized to investigate the improvement for reducing debris re-sticking on the machining surface. The results showed that only negative polarity in EDM could cause the re-sticky phenomenon on tungsten carbide. On the other hand, debris would notably re-stick on any machining position when the tool electrode was not rotated in EDM. Besides, debris significantly stuck on the center of the working area with rotation of the electrode. Additionally, a larger lift distance of the tool electrode could reduce debris re-sticking on the working surface, but this process would decrease material removal rate in EDM. In the end, a special shaped design of the tool electrode resulted in the re-sticky debris completely vanishing, when the electrode width was 0.6 times the diameter of this cylindrical electrode.     

Optimization of cryogenic cooled EDM process parameters using grey relational analysis

This paper presents an experimental investigation on cryogenic cooling of liquid nitrogen (LN₂) copper electrode in the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process. The optimization of the EDM process parameters, such as the electrode environment (conventional electrode and cryogenically cooled electrode in EDM), discharge current, pulse on time, gap voltage on material removal rate, electrode wear, and surface roughness on machining of AlSiCp metal matrix composite using multiple performance characteristics on grey relational analysis was investigated. The L₁₈ orthogonal array was utilized to examine the process parameters, and the optimal levels of the process parameters were identified through grey relational analysis. Experimental data were analyzed through analysis of variance. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was conducted to study the characteristics of the machined surface.     

Analysis of energy distribution during electric discharge machining of tungsten carbide

Abstract

During electrical discharge machining (EDM) process, electrical energy is used for the machining of the components. Energy distribution in electrical discharge machining process is the distribution of input energy supplied during machining to various components. In order to improve the technological performance during EDM process, it is essential to understand the distribution of input energy in the entire system. An experimental study on the effect of EDM energy distribution parameter for tungsten carbide is presented. The copper tungsten electrode has been used for the study. Experiments have been performed in specially designed dielectric insulated tank. To minimise the energy wastage, workpiece as well as the electrode was covered with Teflon. Current and pulse duration have been selected as variable parameters. The objective of this study is to analyse the amount of electrical energy used for machining effectively. The detail of this study has been presented in this paper.     

Surface Improvement Using a Combination of Electrical Discharge Machining with Ball Burnish Machining Based on the Taguchi Method

This study investigates the feasibility of improving surface integrity via a novel combined process of electrical discharge machining (EDM) with ball burnish machining (BBM) using the Taguchi method. To provide burnishing immediately after the EDM process, ZrO₂ balls were attached to the tool electrode in the experiments. To verify the optimal process, three observed values, i.e. material removal rate, surface roughness, and improvement ratio of surface roughness were chosen. In addition, six independent parameters were adopted for evalu-ation by the Taguchi method. From the ANOVA and S/N ratio response graph, the significant parameters and the optimal combination level of machining parameters were obtained. Experimental results indicate that the combined process effectively improves the surface roughness and eliminates the micro pores and cracks caused by EDM. Therefore, the combination of EDM and BBM is a feasible process by which to obtain a fine-finishing surface and achieve surface modification.     

Application of Taguchi-grey multi responses optimization on process parameters in electro erosion

Convention Taguchi method deals with only single response optimization problems. Since the electrical discharge machining process involved with many response parameters, Taguchi method alone cannot help to obtain optimal process parameters in such process. In the present work, an endeavor has been made to derive optimal combination of electrical process parameters in electro erosion process using grey relational analysis with Taguchi method. This multi response optimization of the electrical discharge machining process has been conducted with AISI 202 stainless steel with different tool electrodes such as copper, brass and tungsten carbide. Gap voltage, discharge current and duty factor have been used as electrical excitation parameters with different process levels. Taguchi L₂₇ orthogonal table has been assigned for conducting experiments with the consideration of interactions among the input electrical process parameters. Material removal rate, electrode wear rate and surface roughness have been selected as response parameters. From the experimental results, it has been found that the electrical conductivity of the tool electrode has the most influencing nature on the machining characteristics in EDM process. The optimal combination of the input process parameters has been obtained using Taguchi-grey relational analysis.     

Experimental research on electrical discharge machining characteristics of engineering ceramics with different electrical resistivities

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is the extensively used nonconventional material removal process for machining engineering ceramics provided they are electrically conductive. However, the electrical resistivity of the popular engineering ceramics is higher, and there has been no research on the relationship between the EDM parameters and the electrical resistivity of the engineering ceramics that can be machined effectively by EDM. This paper investigates the effects of the electrical resistivity and the EDM parameters on the EDM performance of ZnO/Al₂O₃ ceramic in terms of the machining efficiency and the quality. The experimental results showed that the electrical resistivity and the EDM parameters such as pulse on-time, pulse off-time, and peak current had the great influence on the machining efficiency and the quality during electrical discharge machining of ZnO/Al₂O₃ ceramic. Moreover, the electrical resistivity of the ZnO/Al₂O₃ ceramic, which could be effectively machined by EDM, increased with increasing the pulse on-time and peak current and with decreasing the pulse off-time, respectively. Furthermore, the ZnO/Al₂O₃ ceramic with the electrical resistivity up to 3,410 Ω cm could be effectively machined by EDM with the appropriate machining condition.     

Machining Characteristics of Al2O3/6061Al Composite using Rotary EDM with a Disklike Electrode

This work optimises the cutting of Al₂O₃/6061Al composite using rotary electro-discharging machining (EDM) with a disklike electrode by using Taguchi methodology. The Taguchi method is used to formulate the experimental layout, to analyse the effect of each EDM parameter on the machining characteristics, and to predict the optimal choice for each EDM parameter. Four observed values, MRR, EWR, REWR, and SR, are used to verify this optimisation of the machining technique. In addition, six independent parameters are chosen as variables in evaluating the Taguchi method and are categorised into two groups: 1. Electrical parameters, e.g. polarity, peak current, pulse duration, and powder supply voltage. 2. Non-electrical parameters, e.g. circumferential speed of electrode, reciprocating speed. The analysis of the Taguchi method reveals that, in general, the electrical group more significantly affects the machining characteristics than the non-electrical group. Also derived herein are semi-empirical equation that contain all of the machining characteristics. Experimental results are presented to illustrate the proposed approach.     

MICRO ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING DEPOSITION IN AIR

A new deposition method is described using micro electrical discharge machining (EDM) to deposit tool electrode material on workpiece in air. The basic principles of micro electrical discharge deposition (EDD) are analyzed and the realized conditions are predicted. With an ordinary EDM shaping machine, brass as the electrode, high-speed steel as the workpiece, a lot of experiments are carried out on micro EDD systematically and thoroughly. The effects of major processing parameters, such as the discharge current, discharge duration, pulse interval and working medium, are obtained. As a result, a micro cylinder with 0.19 mm in diameter and 7.35 mm in height is deposited. By exchanging the polarities of the electrode and workpiece the micro cylinder can be removed selectively. So the reversible machining of deposition and removal is achieved, which breaks through the constraint of traditional EDM. Measurements show that the deposited material is compact and close to workpiece base, whose components depend on the tool electrode material.     

Micro electrical discharge machining using high electric resistance electrodes

In micro electrical discharge machining (EDM), because the material removal per single pulse discharge mainly determines the minimum machinable size of a micro EDM, decreasing the material removal per single pulse discharge is important. In this study, in order to decrease the material removal per single pulse discharge, high electric resistance materials such as single-crystal silicon are used for electrodes. Analytical results show that when the electrode resistance increases, the peak value of the discharge current decreases, whereas the pulse duration increases. In addition, the discharge energy decreases when increasing the resistance. Silicon is used as a tool electrode, and the effect of resistivity of the silicon tool electrode on the diameter of discharge craters generated on the stainless steel workpiece is examined. Experimental results reveal that with increasing silicon electrode resistivity, the diameter of discharge craters decreases. Because the diameter of discharge craters can be decreased to 0.5 μm, improved finished surfaces of R_z 0.03 μm are obtained.     

Modelling and experimental investigation of process parameters in EDM of Si<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript>-TiN composites using GRA-RSM

Electric discharge machining (EDM) is a highly promising machining process of ceramics. This research is an out of the paradigm investigation of EDM on Si₃N₄-TiN with Copper electrode. Ceramics are used for extrusion dies and bearing balls and they are more efficient, effective and even have longer life than conventional metal alloys. Owing to high hardness of ceramic composites, they are almost impossible to be machined by conventional machining as it entirely depends on relative hardness of tool with work piece. Whereas EDM offers easy machinability combined with exceptional surface finish. Input parameters of paramount significance such as current (I), pulse on (P_on) and off time (P_off), Dielectric pressure (DP) and gap voltage (SV) are studied using L₂₅ orthogonal array. With help of mean effective plots the relationship of output parameters like Material removal rate (MRR), Tool wear rate (TWR), Surface roughness (Ra), Radial overcut (ROC), Taper angle (α), Circularity (CIR), Cylindricity (CYL) and Perpendicularity (PER) with the considered input parameters and their individual influence were investigated. The significant machining parameters were obtained by Analysis of variance (ANOVA) based on Grey relational analysis (GRA) and value of regression coefficient was determined for each model. The results were further evaluated by using confirmatory experiment which illustrated that spark eroding process could effectively be improved.     

Optimization of machining parameters using magnetic-force-assisted EDM based on gray relational analysis

This work developed a novel process of magnetic-force-assisted electrical discharge machining (EDM) and conducted an experimental investigation to optimize the machining parameters associated with multiple performance characteristics using gray relational analysis. The main machining parameters such as machining polarity (P), peak current (I _P), pulse duration (τ _P), high-voltage auxiliary current (I _H), no-load voltage (V), and servo reference voltage (S _V) were selected to explore the effects of multiple performance characteristics on the material removal rate, electrode wear rate, and surface roughness. The experiments were conducted according to an orthogonal array L18 based on Taguchi method, and the significant process parameters that affected the multiple performance characteristics of magnetic-force-assisted EDM were also determined form the analysis of variance. Moreover, the optimal combination levels of machining parameters were also determined from the response graph and then verified experimentally. The multiple performance characteristics of the magnetic-force-assisted EDM were improved, and the EDM technique with high efficiency, high precision, and high-quality surface were established to meet the demand of modern industrial applications.     

气体放电加工基础工艺试验研究

采用单因素法进行了基本的工艺参数(电参数、伺服参考电压等)对气体介质放电加工性能影响的试验研究。试验结果表明:气体介质的放电加工适于采用正极性加工。在试验加工的范围内,工件的蚀除速度和表面粗糙度值随脉冲宽度和峰值电流的增加而增加,随脉冲间隔的增加而减小。极间并联合适的电容能够使加工速度和加工表面粗糙度有所改善,并对此现象进行了分析。对于某一确定的加工参数,存在一个较佳的伺服参考电压值,使加工性能较为稳定。工具电极具有较高的旋转速度能够使气体放电加工性能得到提高。使用氧气介质能够实现快速电火花加工,并根据不同气体的物理性能对不同气体介质的加工性能进行了分析。工件表面显微硬度测试结果表明:空气中放电加工的工件的表面硬度比基体硬度高,比煤油中加工的工件表面硬度低。     

Study of high-efficiency electrical discharge machining-induced ablation machining of titanium alloy TC4 using a multi-function electrode

Aimed at overcoming the low efficiency of electrical discharge machining (EDM), and taking advantage of the characteristic that most metals can burn in oxygen, a new high-efficiency process is put forward: EDM-induced ablation machining (EDM-IAM) using multi-function electrode technology. EDM-IAM injects oxygen and dielectric fluid into the processing area through a dedicated channel of a multi-function electrode. The chemical energy caused by the reaction of metal and oxygen can much improve the material removal efficiency. To study the factors affecting the efficiency of the process, the ablation machining of a titanium alloy (TC4) using a multi-function electrode was carried out; analysis of the worked surface was done with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and discharge waveforms. The results show that the substances of the worked surface are mainly TiO, TiO_1.2, TiO₂, and smaller amounts of Ti₃O and other titanium oxides. Violent oxidation combustion reaction occurs during the ablation machining process. The processing efficiency of ablation machining can reach 347.7 mm³/min, which is 58.7 times that of normal EDM for the same processing conditions. The main reasons for the high material removal rate are the higher utilization rate of electric spark discharge energy, consumption of material by ablation, melting effect of combustion heat on the workpiece material, and forced chip removal effect by local explosion.     

Analysis of rotary electrical discharge machining characteristics in reversal magnetic field for copper-en8 steel system

The material removal rate (MRR), along with the electrode wear rate (EWR), plays an important role in analysing machine output during electrical discharge machining. This work focuses on the improvement of machine output by introducing an induced magnetic field on the workpiece during rotary electrical discharge machining (REDM) of EN-8 steel with a rotary copper electrode. The workpiece was placed inside the induced magnetic field, wherein polarity of the magnetic field gets reversed periodically. Using Taguchi’s recommended design of experiments, we initially conducted experiments with eight input parameters at different levels . Significant parameters were identified with the help of the signal-to-noise ratio and ANOVA. Finally, another set of experiments was conducted for analysis of the process and development of empirical expressions for MRR and EWR. Experimental results established that rotary electrical discharge machining with a polarity reversal magnetic field delivers better machining output than machining in a non-magnetic field. Thus, this work benefits the EDM process by reducing the machining costs and by producing better geometrical trueness on workpieces, as MRR increased and EWR decreased.     

电火花加工用工具电极材料的研究进展

工具电极是电火花加工中非常重要的因素,电极材料的性能对电火花加工性能具有很大影响。介绍了电火花加工用工具电极材料在普通电火花加工、电火花表面改性和微细电火花加工三个方面的最新研究进展。     

Influence of discharge energy on machining characteristics in EDM

The machining characteristics of electrical discharge machining (EDM) directly depend on the discharge energy which is transformed into thermal energy in the discharge zone. The generated heat leads to high temperature, resulting in local melting and evaporation of workpiece material. However, the high temperature also impacts various physical and chemical properties of the tool and workpiece. This is why extensive knowledge of development and transformation of electrical energy into heat is of key importance in EDM. Based on the previous investigations, analytical dependence was established between the discharge energy parameters and the heat source characteristics in this paper. In addition, the thermal properties of the discharged energy were experimentally investigated and their influence on material removal rate, gap distance, surface roughness and recast layer was established. The experiments were conducted using copper electrode while varying discharge current and pulse duration. Analysis and experimental research conducted in this paper allow efficient selection of relevant parameters of discharge energy for the selection of most favorable EDM machining conditions.     

4Cr5MoVSi电火花加工试验特征规律研究

采用紫铜工具电极,在峰值电流为4-24A、脉冲宽度为25-200μs、加工电压为80-200V的电参数范围内,综合应用因子试验和正交试验方法,对难加工材料4Cr5MoVSi进行了电火花加工试验。在进行电加工基础特征规律分析的基础上,考查了电参数对加工速度、双边侧面放电间隙、电极损耗的影响,并对电火花加工机理进行了分析。研究结果表明:采用紫铜电极电火花加工4Cr5MoVSi,在本试验范围内,峰值电流Ip与脉冲宽度ti、加工电压U、脉冲间隔t0存在一定的交互作用;与其它三个因素相比,峰值电流对加工速度、电极损耗、双边侧面放电间隙的影响更显著;随脉冲宽度和加工电压的增大,电极损耗逐渐减小。     

An experimental investigation of cylindrical wire electrical discharge turning process

The cylindrical wire electrical discharge turning (CWEDT) process was developed to generate precise cylindrical forms on hard, difficult to machine materials. A precise, flexible, and corrosion-resistant submerged rotary spindle was designed and added to a conventional five-axis CNC wire electrical discharge machine (EDM) to enable the generation of free-form cylindrical geometries. The hardness and strength of the work material are no longer the dominating factors that affect the tool wear and hinder the machining process. In this study, the effect of machining parameters on surface roughness (R _a) and roundness in cylindrical CWEDT of a AISI D3 tool steel is investigated. The selection of this material was made taking into account its wide range of applications in tools, dies, and molds and in industries such as punching, tapping, reaming, and so on in cylindrical forms. Surface roughness and roundness are chosen as two of the machining performances to verify the process. In addition, power, pulse off-time, voltage, and spindle rotational speed are adopted for evaluation by full factorial design of experiments. In this case, a 2²?×?3² mixed full factorial design has been selected considering the number of factors used in the present study. The main effects of factors and interactions were considered in this paper, and regression equations were derived using response surface methodology. Finally, the surfaces of the CWEDT parts were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify the macro-ridges and craters on the surface. Cross sections of the EDM parts were examined using the SEM and microhardness tests to quantify the sub-surface recast layers and heat-affected zones under specific process parameters.