Optimization of machining parameters for EDM operations based on central composite design and desirability approach

A novel aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with SiC particles were prepared by liquid metallurgy route. Recent developments in composites are not only focused on the improvement of mechanical properties, but also on machinability for difficult-to-machine shapes. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) was employed to machine MMC with copper electrode. using EDM. Experiments were conducted using pulse current, gap voltage, pulse on time and pulse off time as typical process parameters. The experiment plan adopts face centered central composite design of response surface methodology. Analysis of variance was applied to investigate the influence of process parameters and their interactions viz., pulse current, gap voltage, pulse on time and pulse off time on material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear ratio (EWR) and surface roughness (SR). The objective was to identify the significant process parameters that affect the output characteristics. Further a mathematical model has been formulated by applying response surface method in order to estimate the machining characteristics such as MRR, EWR and SR.     

Study of the EDM performance to produce a stable process and surface modification

In this work, the effect of pulse current and pulse duration in die-sinking electrical discharge machining (EDM) on the machining characteristics of Ti-6Al-4V alloy is studied. The EDM characteristics, including the electrode wear ratio (EWR), the material removal rate (MRR), and the surface roughness (SR), are used to measure the effect of machining. An increase in the intensity of the pulse current from 2.5 to 5 A produces a slow increase in EWR, MRR, and SR. An increase in the intensity of the pulse current from 5 to 7 A produces a rapid increase in EWR, MRR, and SR. Control charts are basic and powerful tools for controlling statistical processes and are widely used to monitor manufacturing processes and ensure good EDM quality. EWR, MRR, and SR are normal distributions, and the regression curves for the data are straight lines. All of the data points vary randomly around the centerline, which follows the Shewhart criteria and shows that the EDM process and product performance are under control and stable over time. After EDM, the surface exhibits an irregular fused structure, with pinholes, micro voids, globule debris, and many damaged surfaces. Oxygen plasma etching and surface modification after EDM reduce these surface defects, so finer and flatter surfaces can be achieved. Moreover, fatigue life can be enhanced.     

Application of response surface method on machining of Al–SiC nano-composites

The newly fabricated metal matrix nano-composite (MMNC) of Al 7075 reinforced with 1.5 wt% SiC nano-particles was prepared by a novel ultrasonic cavitation method. The high resolution scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and field emission scanning electron micrograph (FESEM) shows uniform distribution and good dispersion of the SiC nanoparticles within the aluminum metal matrix. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) was employed to machine MMNC with copper electrode by adopting face centered central composite design of response surface methodology. Analysis of variance was applied to investigate the influence of process parameters and their interactions. Further a mathematical model has been formulated in order to estimate the machining characteristics. It has been observed that pulse current was found to be the most important factor affecting all the three output parameters such as material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (SR). The optimum parameter of combination setting has been identified for the MMNC are voltage 50.00 V, pulse current 8.00 A, Pulse on time 8.00 μs and pulse off time 9.00 μs. Finally the parameters were optimized for maximizing MRR, minimizing EWR and SR using desirability function approach.     

Development of an inversion model for establishing EDM input parameters to satisfy material removal rate, electrode wear ratio and surface roughness

Electro-discharge machining (EDM) has grown tremendously over the last few decades. Due to its extensive capabilities, this technique has been increasingly adapted to new industrial applications within the field of aerospace, medical, die and mould production, precision tooling, etc. The novelty of the research presented in this paper lies in solving an inversion model, based on the least squares theory, which involves establishing the values of the EDM input parameters (peak current level, pulse-on time and pulse-off time) to ensure the simultaneous fulfilment of material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear ratio (EWR) and surface roughness (SR). The inversion model was constructed from a set of experiments and the equations formulated in the forward model described in the first part of this paper. In the forward model, the well-known ANOVA and regression models were used to predict the EDM output performance characteristics, such as MRR, EWR and SR in the EDM process for AISI 1045 steel with respect to a set of EDM input parameters.     

Optimizing machining parameters of silicon carbide ceramics with ED milling and mechanical grinding combined process

A novel combined process of machining silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics with electrical discharge milling and mechanical grinding is presented. The process is able to effectively machine a large surface area on SiC ceramics with a good surface quality. The effect of tool polarity on the process performance has been investigated. The effects of peak current, peak voltage, pulse on-time and pulse off-time on the material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear ratio (EWR), and surface roughness (SR) have been investigated with Taguchi experimental design. The mathematical models for the MRR, EWR, and SR have been established with the stepwise regression method. The experiment results show that the MRR, EWR, and SR can reach 46.2543 mm³/min, 20.7176%, and 0.0340 µm, respectively, with each optimal combination level of machining parameters.     

Experimental study of rotary magnetic field-assisted dry EDM with ultrasonic vibration of workpiece

Dry electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a green machining method which replaces the gas instead of liquid as dielectric medium. Due to the environmentally friendly nature of this method, recently, researchers focused on characterization of this process. In this work, effects of rotary magnetic field and also ultrasonic vibration of workpiece were studied on dry EDM process performance. Conducted experiments were divided in two main stages. At first stage, preliminary experiments were carried out to determine the best tool design in material and geometry points of view by considering the material removal rate (MRR). Also, effect of magnetic field was studied in the first stage. Results of the first stage of experiments indicated that the brass tool with two eccentric holes has the highest MRR rather than the other existing tool. In the second stage of experiments, parametric study on dry EDM process were implemented by using a brass tool with two eccentric holes and by applying rotary magnetic field for all experiments of the second stage. Influences of parameters such as pulse current, pulse on-time, pulse off-time, tool rotational speed, air injection inlet pressure, and especially power of ultrasonic table were studied on MRR, surface roughness (SR), electrode wear rate (EWR), and overcut (OC). Results showed that magnetic field has positive effects on MRR and SR. Also, by application of ultrasonic vibration achieving to superior MRR is feasible. At the end of the work, mathematical models were developed to correlate a relationship between process inputs and main outputs.     

Multi-response optimization of machining process parameters for powder mixed electro-discharge machining of H-11 die steel using grey relational analysis and topsis

Electro-discharge machining (EDM) is an enormously used nonconventional process for removing material in die making, aerospace, and automobile industries. It consists of limitations like poor volumetric material removal rate (MRR) and reduced surface quality. Powder mixed EDM (PMEDM) is a new development in EDM to enhance its machining capabilities. The present work investigates the effect of powder concentration (C_p), peak current (I_p), pulse on time (T_on), duty cycle (DC) and gap voltage (V_g) on MRR, tool wear rate (TWR), electrode wear ratio (EWR), and surface roughness (SR) simultaneously for H-11 die steel using SiC powder. Taguchi's L₂₇ orthogonal array has been used to conduct the experiments. Multiobjective optimization using grey relational analysis (GRA) and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) has been used to maximize the MRR and minimize the TWR, EWR, and SR and determine the optimal set of process parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been performed to understand the significance of each process parameter. Results were verified by conducting confirmatory tests. GRA and TOPSIS exhibit an improvement of 0.1843 and 0.14308 in the preference values, respectively. Microstructure analysis has been done using scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the optimum set of parameters.     

Effect on crystalline structure of AISI M2 steel using tungsten–thorium electrode through MRR,EWR, and surface finish

To investigate on the crystalline structure of AISI M2 steel by using tungsten–thorium electrode in electrical discharge machining (EDM) process was studied. Furthermore, the investigation were carried out for finding the value of material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (SR) of tool steel material depending upon three variable input process parameters. On the basis of weight loss, the value of MRR and EWR were calculated at optimized process parameter. Subsequently, surface topography of the processed material were examined through different characterization techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Optical surface profiler (OSP) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. In XRD study, broadening of the peak was observed which confirmed the change in material properties due to the homogeneous dispersion of the particles inside the matrix. Lowest surface roughness and MRR of 0.001208 mg/min was obtained. Minimum surface roughness was obtained 1.12 μm and 2.18427 nm by OSP and AFM study, respectively. Also, minimum EWR was found as 0.013986 mg/min.     

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。     

Soft computing models based prediction of cutting speed and surface roughness in wire electro-discharge machining of tungsten carbide cobalt composite

This paper reports on an experimental investigation of small deep hole drilling of Inconel 718 using the EDM process. The parameters such as peak current, pulse on-time, duty factor and electrode speed were chosen to study the machining characteristics. An electrolytic copper tube of 3 mm diameter was selected as a tool electrode. The experiments were planned using central composite design (CCD) procedure. The output responses measured were material removal rate (MRR) and depth averaged surface roughness (DASR). Mathematical models were derived for the above responses using response surface methodology (RSM). The results revealed that MRR is more influenced by peak current, duty factor and electrode rotation, whereas DASR is strongly influenced by peak current and pulse on-time. Finally, the parameters were optimized for maximum MRR with the desired surface roughness value using desirability function approach.     

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE INFLUENCE OF MAJOR OPERATING PARAMETERS DURING MICRO-ELECTRO DISCHARGE DRILLING OF CEMENTED CARBIDE

Present study investigates the influence of major operating parameters on the performance of micro-EDM drilling of cemented carbide (WC-10wt%Co) and identifies the ideal values for improved performance. The operating parameters studied were electrode polarity, gap voltage, resistance, peak current, pulse duration, pulse interval, duty ratio, electrode rotational speed and EDM speed. The performance of micro-EDM drilling process was evaluated by machining time, material removal rate (MRR), relative electrode wear ratio (RWR), spark gap, surface finish and dimensional accuracy of micro-holes. It has been found that there are two major conflicting issues in the micro-EDM of carbide. If the primary objective is to obtain better surface finish, it can be obtained by the sacrifice of high machining time, low MRR and high RWR. However, for faster micro-EDM, the surface roughness is higher and electrode wear is again much higher. It is concluded that negative electrode polarity, gap voltage of 120 V, resistance of 33 Ω, peak current of 8 A, pulse duration of 21 μs, pulse interval of 30 μs, duty cycle of 0.47, electrode rotational speed of 700 rpm and EDM speed of 10 μm/s can be considered as ideal parameters to provide improved performances during the micro-EDM of WC-Co.     

Sinking EDM in water-in-oil emulsion

In this paper, a new type of sinking electric discharge machining (EDM) dielectric–water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion is proposed, and the machining characteristics of W/O emulsion are investigated by comparing with that of kerosene. In the experiments, machining parameters such as the dielectric type, peak current, and pulse duration are changed to explore their effects on machining performance, including the material removal rate (MRR), relative electrode wear rate (REWR), and surface roughness. Experimental results revealed that W/O emulsion could be used as the dielectric fluid of sinking EDM and adopting long pulse duration and large peak current could lead to obtaining higher MRR than kerosene. Compared with kerosene, W/O emulsion is observed to cause lower carbon adhered to the electrode surface. Therefore, its REWR is higher. Statistics of the discharge waveform show that more stable discharge processes can be obtained by using W/O emulsion compared with kerosene. Furthermore, W/O emulsion is more economical and more environmentally friendly than kerosene, and it could be an alternative to kerosene in sinking EDM application.     

Surface quality improvement of EDMed Ti–6Al–4V alloy using plasma etching and TiN coating

This paper seeks to improve the surface quality of electrical discharge machining (EDM) Ti–6Al–4V using plasma etching treatment and TiN coating. The EDM parameter setting is optimized firstly based on grey-Taguchi method. Four EDM parameters, including current (A), voltage (V), pulse duration (μs), and duty factor (%), are selected for multiple performance of lower electrode wear rate (EWR), higher material removal rate (MRR), and better surface roughness (SR). An orthogonal array, signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to analyze the effects of these EDM parameters. Normality tests show that all the distributions fit normality assumption with p?=?0.276, 0.688, and 0.663, respectively. The EDM process is stable over time monitored by Shewhart control charts. It is observed that there is an EDM damaged layer on the surface consisting of debris, microcracks, molten drops, and solidified metals by scanning electron microscopy. The plasma etching and TiN coating are employed to improve surface quality of the EDMed Ti–6Al–4V alloys. The results demonstrate that using the oxygen plasma etching treatment, the damaged phenomena are decreased, and the mean SR value is reduced from Ra?=?2.91 to Ra?=?2.50 μm. In addition, when the plasma-treated alloy is coated with Ti buffer/TiN coating by physical vapor deposition, the surface morphology exhibits less defects and a better surface finish. The mean SR values are further reduced from Ra?=?2.50 μm to Ra?=?1.48 μm (for 740 nm TiN film) and Ra?=?0.61 μm (for 1450 nm TiN film), respectively.     

Influence of parameters and optimization of EDM performance measures on MDN 300 steel using Taguchi method

Maraging steel (MDN 300) exhibits high levels of strength and hardness. Optimization of performance measures is essential for effective machining. In this paper, Taguchi method, used to determine the influence of process parameters and optimization of electrical discharge machining (EDM) performance measures on MDN 300 steel, has been discussed. The process performance criteria such as material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), relative wear ratio (RWR), and surface roughness (SR) were evaluated. Discharge current, pulse on time, and pulse off time have been considered the main factors affecting EDM performance. The results of the present work reveal that the optimal level of the factors for SR and TWR are same but differs from the optimum levels of the factors for MRR and RWR. Further, discharge current, pulse on time, and pulse off time have been found to play a significant role in EDM operations. Detailed analysis of structural features of machined surface was done by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) to understand the influence of parameters. SEM of electrical discharge machining surface indicates that at higher discharge current and longer pulse on duration give rougher surface with more craters, globules of debris, pockmarks or chimneys, and microcracks than that of lower discharge current and lower pulse on duration.     

Applying grey forecasting method for fitting and predicting the performance characteristics of an electro-conductive ceramic (Al2O3+30%TiC) during electrical discharge machining

This paper presents a residual modified grey dynamic model RGM(1,3) in order to fit and predict the performance characteristics of an electro-conductive ceramic (Al₂O₃+30%TiC) during electrical discharge machining (EDM). Grey system theory is suitable for the system in which some information is poor, incomplete and uncertain, so it is feasible to study the performance characteristics of EDM with this model. The RGM(1,3) model is modified to promote the forecasting accuracy of predicting values using the residual grey dynamic model GM(1,1). The fitted and predicted values of various performance characteristics, including the material removal rate (MRR), maximum surface roughness (Rmax), and electrode wear ratio (EWR) agreed sufficiently with the experimental data. It is proved that RGM(1,3) model fitted and predicted the above performance characteristics with a high predicting accuracy. Therefore this procedure of grey forecasting model is relatively simple and convenient, and it is greatly suited for the analysis of question which obtained a few experimental data, and acts an auxiliary to calculate the unfinished experimental data.     

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.     

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.     

Research on the influence of dielectric characteristics on the EDM of titanium alloy

This study investigated the influences of dielectric characteristics, namely, electrical conductivity, oxidability, and viscosity on the electrical discharge machining (EDM) of titanium alloy. A new kind of compound dielectric with optimal processing effect was developed based on the identified effects. Comparative experiments on titanium alloy EDM in compound dielectric, distilled water, and kerosene were performed to analyze the difference in material removal rate (MRR), relative electrode wear ratio (REWR), and surface roughness (SR). The experimental results revealed that titanium alloy EDM in compound dielectric achieved the highest MRR, a lower REWR than that in kerosene, and better SR and fewer micro-cracks than that in distilled water.     

Material removal rate and electrode wear ratio study on the powder mixed electrical discharge machining of cobalt-bonded tungsten carbide

In this article, a material removal rate (MRR) and electrode wear ratio (EWR) study on the powder mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM) of cobalt-bonded tungsten carbide (WC-Co) has been carried out. This type of cemented tungsten carbide was widely used as moulding material of metal forming, forging, squeeze casting, and high pressure die casting. In the PMEDM process, the aluminum powder particle suspended in the dielectric fluid disperses and makes the discharging energy dispersion uniform; it displays multiple discharging effects within a single input pulse. This study was made only for the finishing stages and has been carried out taking into account the four processing parameters: discharge current, pulse on time, grain size, and concentration of aluminum powder particle for the machinability evaluation of MRR and EWR. The response surface methodology (RSM) has been used to plan and analyze the experiments. The experimental plan adopts the face-centered central composite design (CCD). This study highlights the development of mathematical models for investigating the influence of processing parameters on performance characteristics.     

Modelling of surface finish,electrode wear and material removal rate in electrical discharge machining of hard-to-machine alloys

Hard-to-machine alloys are commonly used for industrial applications in the aeronautical, nuclear and automotive sectors, where the materials must have excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidation, high temperature resistance and high mechanical strength. In this present study the influence of different parameters of the electrical discharge machining process on surface roughness, electrode wear and material removal rate have been studied. Regression techniques are employed to model arithmetic mean deviation Ra (μm), peak count Pc (1/cm), material removal rate MRR (mm³/min) and electrode wear EW (%). All these parameters have been studied in terms of current intensity supplied by the generator of the electrical discharge machine I (A), pulse time t_i (μs), duty cycle η and open-circuit voltage U (V). This modelling allows us to obtain mathematical data and models to predict that the most influential factor in MRR and Ra is the current intensity and in the case of EW and Pc is the pulse time.