Precision machining of small holes by the hybrid process of electrochemical removal and grinding

This paper presents a hybrid process of grinding and electrochemical removal for machining of precision small holes with hard-to-machine materials. In the process, a metal rod with coated abrasives as cathode tool rotates at high speed and removes material electrochemically and mechanically for a pre-machined pilot hole. The effects of process parameters on the hole surface quality and dimensional accuracy were demonstrated experimentally. Material removals on grinding and electrochemical machining are well balanced by rationally determining machining voltage, tool rotation speed and feed rate. Precision holes of diameters down to 0.6 mm with sharp edges and without burrs have been produced.     

Machining characteristics of magnetic force-assisted EDM

The gap conditions of electrical discharge machining (EDM) would significantly affect the stability of machining progress. Thus, the machining performance would be improved by expelling debris from the machining gap fast and easily. In this investigation, magnetic force was added to a conventional EDM machine to form a novel process of magnetic force-assisted EDM. The beneficial effects of this process were evaluated. The main machining parameters such as peak current and pulse duration were chosen to determine the effects on the machining characteristics in terms of material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR), and surface roughness. The surface integrity was also explored by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to evaluate the effects of the magnetic force-assisted EDM. As the experimental results suggested that the magnetic force-assisted EDM facilitated the process stability. Moreover, a pertinent EDM process with high efficiency and high quality of machined surface could be accomplished to satisfy modern industrial applications.     

Surface modification of Al–Zn–Mg alloy by combined electrical discharge machining with ball burnish machining

The study investigated the feasibility of modifying the surface of Al–Zn–Mg alloy by a combined process of electric discharge machining (EDM) with ball burnish machining (BBM). A novel process that integrates EDM and BBM is also developed to conduct experiments on an electric discharge machine. Machining parameters of the combined process, including machining polarity, peak current, power supply voltage, and the protruding of ZrO₂, are chosen to determine their effects on material removal rate, surface roughness and the improvement ratio of surface roughness. In addition, the extent to which the combined process affects surface modification is also evaluated by microhardness and corrosion resistance tests. Experimental results indicate that the combined process of EDM with BBM can effectively improve the surface roughness to obtain a fine-finishing and flat surface. The micropores and cracks caused from EDM are eliminated during the process as well. Furthermore, such a process can reinforce and increase the corrosion resistance of the machined surface after machining.     

Optimization of machining parameters in magnetic force assisted EDM based on Taguchi method

A versatile process of electrical discharge machining (EDM) using magnetic force assisted standard EDM machine has been developed. The effects of magnetic force on EDM machining characteristics were explored. Moreover, this work adopted an L18 orthogonal array based on Taguchi method to conduct a series of experiments, and statistically evaluated the experimental data by analysis of variance (ANOVA). 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 chosen to determine the EDM machining characteristics such as material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR). The benefits of magnetic force assisted EDM were confirmed from the analysis of discharge waveforms and from the micrograph observation of surface integrity. The experimental results show that the magnetic force assisted EDM has a higher MRR, a lower relative electrode wear ratio (REWR), and a smaller SR as compared with standard EDM. In addition, the significant machining parameters, and the optimal combination levels of machining parameters associated with MRR as well as SR were also drawn. Moreover, the contribution for expelling machining debris using the magnetic force assisted EDM would be proven to attain a high efficiency and high quality of surface integrity to meet the demand of modern industrial applications.     

Study on the characteristics of electrical discharge machining using dielectric with surfactant

This research mainly explores the influence of surfactant on the characteristics of electrical discharge machining (EDM) process on mold steel (SKD61). In this study, particle agglomeration is reduced after surfactant molecules cover the surface of debris and carbon dregs in kerosene solution. Debris is evenly dispersed in dielectric to improve the effects of carbon accumulation and dreg discharge, and reduce the unstable concentrated discharge. The EDM parameters, such as peak current, pulse duration, open voltage and gap voltage are studied in this paper. The experimental results show that after the addition of Span 20 (30 g/L) to dielectric, the conductivity of dielectric is increased. The machining efficiency is thus increased due to a shorter relay time of electrical discharge. When proper working parameters are chosen, the material removal rate is improved by as high as 40–80%. Although the improvement of surface roughness is not obvious, the surface roughness is not deteriorated since the material removal rate is great.     

石墨电极电火花加工性能的影响因素分析

影响石墨电极电火花加工性能的因素很多，各因素的合理配合对电火花加工特性有重要的影响。分析了主轴性能、脉冲电源及智能控制、工作液、电参数和加工极性选择等对石墨电极加工性能的影响，为生产实践提供了理论依据。     

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.     

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.     

Effects of mixed abrasive grits in slurries on free abrasive machining (FAM) processes

Effects of mixed abrasive grits in slurries on free abrasive machining (FAM) processes are studied using a single-sided lapping machine. Impacts of mixing abrasives on various parameters such as amount of material removed, material removal rate, surface roughness, particle size distribution and relative angular velocity are studied. The material removed is monitored as a function of time. The experimental results suggest that (i) mixing abrasive grits can increase the amount of material removed, (ii) smaller abrasives can directly or indirectly affect the material removal process, (iii) slurries undergo severe grain size transition during lapping, and (iv) the surface roughness did not change significantly under different loading. The results of this study may have profound implication on the FAM processes that practitioners use today because the mixed abrasive grits increase material removal rate and reduce the grain size transition, while rendering similar surface roughness.     

Tube electrode high-speed electrochemical discharge drilling using low-conductivity salt solution

Film cooling holes are widely used in the aerospace industry, and their fabrication requires high machining speed and accuracy, as well as good surface quality. Tube electrode high-speed electrochemical discharge drilling (TSECDD) is a promising hybrid machining method for the fabrication of film cooling holes in difficult-to-machine superalloys. An electrochemical reaction can occur if a low-conductivity salt solution is used in the drilling. Materials can also be removed at a high speed using electrical discharge machining (EDM). Thus, TSECDD and electrochemical machining (ECM) can be combined into a unique machining process using a low-conductivity salt solution. This machining process achieves both a high machining speed and good surface finish. In this study, the material removal mechanism of TSECDD was studied using a low-conductivity salt solution, and comparisons with high-speed electrical discharge drilling were made. The performance of the process was investigated using salt solutions of various conductivities. The results show that there are different material removal mechanisms in the frontal gap and the lateral gap and that, in the latter, there is a transition from EDM to ECM. Experiments conducted using TSECDD confirm that the use of this process with a low-conductivity salt solution can improve the machining surface and machining efficiency achieved. The results also show that the use of a low-conductivity solution improves the material removal rate, the hole diameter, and the taper angle.     

State of the art electrical discharge machining (EDM)

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a well-established machining option for manufacturing geometrically complex or hard material parts that are extremely difficult-to-machine by conventional machining processes. The non-contact machining technique has been continuously evolving from a mere tool and die making process to a micro-scale application machining alternative attracting a significant amount of research interests.In recent years, EDM researchers have explored a number of ways to improve the sparking efficiency including some unique experimental concepts that depart from the EDM traditional sparking phenomenon. Despite a range of different approaches, this new research shares the same objectives of achieving more efficient metal removal coupled with a reduction in tool wear and improved surface quality.This paper reviews the research work carried out from the inception to the development of die-sinking EDM within the past decade. It reports on the EDM research relating to improving performance measures, optimising the process variables, monitoring and control the sparking process, simplifying the electrode design and manufacture. A range of EDM applications are highlighted together with the development of hybrid machining processes. The final part of the paper discusses these developments and outlines the trends for future EDM research.     

Development of magneto abrasive flow machining process

Abrasive flow machining (AFM) is a relatively new process among non-conventional machining processes. Low material removal rate happens to be one serious limitation of almost all such processes. Limited efforts have hitherto been directed towards improving the efficiency of these processes so as to achieve higher material removal rates by applying different techniques. This paper discusses the possible improvement in surface roughness and material removal rate by applying a magnetic field around the workpiece in AFM. A set-up has been developed for a composite process termed magneto abrasive flow machining (MAFM), and the effect of key parameters on the performance of the process has been studied. Relationships are developed between the material removal rate and the percentage improvement in surface roughness of brass components when finish-machined by this process. Analysis of variance has been applied to identify significant parameters and to test the adequacy of the models. Experimental results indicate significantly improved performance of MAFM over AFM.     

Electrical discharge machining of Ti6Al4V with a bundled electrode

The aim of this study is to investigate an efficient Ti6Al4V electrical discharge machining (EDM) process with a bundled die-sinking electrode. The feasibility of machining Ti6Al4V with a bundled electrode was studied and its effect on EDM performance was compared experimentally using a solid die-sinking electrode. The simulation results explain the high performance of the EDM process with a bundled electrode by through the use of multi-hole inner flushing to efficiently remove molten material from the inter-electrode gap and through the improved ability to apply a higher peak current. A 3-factor, 3-level experimental design was used to study the relationships between 2 machining performance parameters (material removal rate: MRR, tool wear ratio: TWR) and 3 machining parameters (fluid flow rate, peak current and pulse duration). The main effects and influences of the 2-factor interactions of these parameters on the performances of the EDM process with the bundled electrode are discussed.     

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.     

超声振动辅助气中放电加工实验分析

超声振动辅助气中放电加工技术避免了常用的煤油等工作液作为介质带来的环境污染问题，具有工作环境清洁、适用范围广、加工效率高、工具电极简单等优点。实验研究了电压、脉冲宽度、峰值电流、超声振幅及气体介质压力等参数对加工效率、工件表面粗糙度及电极损耗的影响．并对试验结果进行了分析。     

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。     

Improvement of Dry EDM Characteristics Using Piezoelectric Actuator

This paper describes improvement of the machining characteristics of dry electrical discharge machining (dry EDM) by controlling the discharge gap distance using a piezoelectric actuator. Dry EDM is a new process characterized by small tool electrode wear, negligible damage generated on the machined surface, and significantly high material removal rate especially when oxygen gas is used. However, the narrow discharge gap length compared with conventional EDM using oil as the dielectric working fluid results in frequent occurrence of short circuiting which lowers material removal rate. A piezoelectric actuator with high frequency response was thus introduced to help control gap length of the EDM machine. To elucidate the effects of the piezoelectric actuator, an EDM performance simulator was newly developed to evaluate the machining stability and material removal rate of dry EDM.     

工艺参数对电火花电弧高效复合加工性能的影响研究

电火花电弧复合加工解决了电火花加工效率低的问题,与电火花加工相比,其加工效率提高了数倍,针对某些材料,其加工效率甚至超过了传统机械加工,但也存在自动化程度低、电极损耗严重等缺陷。利用电火花电弧复合加工技术进行了大量实验,并以此为基础,分析了不同加工参数下的工件性能,得到在不同峰值电流、脉宽、电极主轴转速等参数下的工件加工效率、表面粗糙度及相对电极损耗率的变化规律,以期得出针对不同加工目的的最优工作参数。     

Chemical machining of Zerodur material with atmospheric pressure plasma jet

The material of Zerodur is widely used in high performance optics because of its excellent thermal stability characteristics. This paper deals with the development of an APPJ (Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet) chemical machining process for defect free and high efficiency machining of Zerodur. The APPJ chemical machining mechanism for multi-phase multi-composite materials is presented. The chemical property of the plasma jet is investigated via the atom emission spectrum analysis method and the experimental results of Zerodur material removal function and surface roughness variation with different processing parameters are discussed. Scientific explanations for the experimental observations are given.