Diamond face grinding of WC-Co composite with spark assistance: Experimental study and parameter optimization

Electro-discharge machining (EDM) characteristics of tungsten carbide-cobalt composite are accompanied by a number of problems such as the presence of resolidified layer, large tool wear rate and thermal cracks. Use of combination of conventional grinding and EDM (a new hybrid feature) has potential to overcome these problems. This article presents the face grinding of tungsten carbide-cobalt composite (WC-Co) with electrical spark discharge incorporated within face of wheel and flat surface of cylindrical workpiece. A face grinding setup for electro- discharge diamond grinding (EDDG) process is developed. The effect of input parameters such as wheel speed, current, pulse on-time and duty factor on output parameters such as material removal rate (MRR), wheel wear rate (WWR) and average surface roughness (ASR), are investigated. The present study shows that MRR increases with increase in current and wheel speed while it decreases with increase in pulse on-time for higher pulse on-time (above 100 μs). The most significant factor has been found as wheel speed affecting the robustness of electro- discharge diamond face grinding (EDDFG) process.     

Modeling and analysis of the effects of machining parameters on the performance characteristics in the EDM process of Al2O3+TiC mixed ceramic

Electric discharge machining (EDM) has achieved remarkable success in the manufacture of conductive ceramic materials for the modern metal industry. Mathematical models are proposed for the modeling and analysis of the effects of machining parameters on the performance characteristics in the EDM process of Al₂O₃+TiC mixed ceramic which are developed using the response surface methodology (RSM) to explain the influences of four machining parameters (the discharge current, pulse on time, duty factor and open discharge voltage) on the performance characteristics of the material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear ratio (EWR), and surface roughness (SR). The experiment plan adopts the centered central composite design (CCD). The separable influence of individual machining parameters and the interaction between these parameters are also investigated by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). This study highlights the development of mathematical models for investigating the influences of machining parameters on performance characteristics and the proposed mathematical models in this study have proven to fit and predict values of performance characteristics close to those readings recorded experimentally with a 95% confidence interval. Results show that the main two significant factors on the value of the material removal rate (MRR) are the discharge current and the duty factor. The discharge current and the pulse on time also have statistical significance on both the value of the electrode wear ratio (EWR) and the surface roughness (SR).     

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.     

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.     

Application of non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm for multi-objective optimization of electrical discharge diamond face grinding process

Hybrid machining processes (HMPs), having potential for machining of difficult to machine materials but the complexity and high manufacturing cost, always need to optimize the process parameters. Our objective was to optimize the process parameters of electrical discharge diamond face grinding (EDDFG), considering the simultaneous effect of wheel speed, pulse current, pulse on-time and duty factor on material removal rate (MRR) and average surface roughness (Ra). The experiments were performed on a high speed steel (HSS) workpiece at a self developed face grinding setup on an EDM machine. All the experimental results were used to develop the mathematical model using response surface methodology (RSM). The developed model was used to generate the initial population for a genetic algorithm (GA) during optimization, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) was used to optimize the process parameters of EDDFG process. Finally, optimal solutions obtained from pareto front are presented and compared with experimental data.     

Multi-response optimization of EDM with Al–Cu–Si–TiC P/M composite electrode

The present study investigates the relationship of process parameters in electro-discharge of CK45 steel with novel tool electrode material such as Al–Cu–Si–TiC composite produced using powder metallurgy (P/M) technique. The central composite second-order rotatable design had been utilized to plan the experiments, and response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for developing experimental models. Analysis on machining characteristics of electrical discharge machining (EDM) die sinking was made based on the developed models. In this study, titanium carbide percent (TiC%), peak current, dielectric flushing pressure, and pulse on-time are considered as input process parameters. The process performances such as material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear rate (TWR) were evaluated. Analysis of variance test had also been carried out to check the adequacy of the developed regression models. Al–Cu–Si–TiC P/M electrodes are found to be more sensitive to peak current and pulse on-time than conventional electrodes. The observed optimal process parameter settings based on composite desirability are TiC percent of 18%, peak current of 6 A, flushing pressure of 1.2 MPa, and pulse on-time of 182 μs for achieving maximum MRR and minimum TWR; finally, the results were experimentally verified. A good agreement is observed between the results based on the RSM model and the actual experimental observations. The error between experimental and predicted values at the optimal combination of parameter settings for MRR and TWR lie within 7.2% and 4.74%, respectively.     

Experimental Investigation on Electrical Discharge Drilling of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

This article describes the experimental investigation related to creation of holes in aerospace titanium alloy workpiece using static electrode machining and electrical discharge drilling (EDD) process. Special attachment for holding and rotating the tool electrode was developed and installed on electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine by replacing the original conventional tool holder provided on die sinking EDM. The effect of input parameters such as gap current, pulse on-time, duty factor and RPM of tool electrode on output parameters for average hole circularity (C_a) and average surface roughness (R_a) have been studied. It is observed that the effect of rotating electrode machining has considerable influence on the output parameters over stationary electrode machining. The micro-graphs and photographs of few selected samples were taken by SEM and metallurgical microscope, which also commensurate with the findings of the study.     

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.     

Evaluation of the characteristics of the microelectrical discharge machining process using response surface methodology based on the central composite design

Evaluation of the characteristics of a microelectrical discharge machining (Micro-EDM) process is challenging, because it involves complex, interrelated relationships so a proper modeling approach is necessary to clearly identify the crucial machining variables and their interrelationships in order to initiate more effective strategies to improve Micro-EDM qualities (electrode wear (EW), material removal rate (MRR) and overcut). This paper uses a response surface method (RSM) based on the central composite design (CCD) for Micro-EDM problems with four EDM variables (peak current, pulse on-time, pulse off-time and electrode rotation speed). Experimental results indicate that peak current is the EDM variable that most affects the Micro-EDM qualities for SK3 carbon tool steel while pulse off-time had a significant interaction with that. The results show that RSM based on the CCD could efficiently be applied for the modeling of Micro-EDM qualities (EW, MRR, and overcut), and it is an economical way to obtain the performance characteristics of Micro-EDM process parameters with the fewest experimental data.     

Parametric optimization for surface roughness, kerf and MRR in wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) using Taguchi design of experiment

This paper reports the effect and optimization of eight control factors on material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness and kerf in wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) process for tool steel D2. The experimentation is performed under different cutting conditions of wire feed velocity, dielectric pressure, pulse on-time, pulse off-time, open voltage, wire tension and servo voltage by varying the material thickness. Taguchi’s L18 orthogonal array is employed for experimental design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and signal-tonoise (S/N) ratio are used as statistical analyses to identify the significant control factors and to achieve optimum levels respectively. Additionally, linear regression and additive models are developed for surface roughness, kerf and material removal rate (MRR). Results of the confirmatory experiments are found to be in good agreement with those predicted. It has been found that pulse on-time is the most significant factor affecting the surface roughness, kerf and material removal rate.     

Multi-objective optimization of process parameters in Electro-Discharge Diamond Face Grinding based on ANN-NSGA-II hybrid technique

The effective study of hybrid machining processes (HMPs), in terms of modeling and optimization has always been a challenge to the researchers. The combined approach of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) has attracted attention of researchers for modeling and optimization of the complex machining processes. In this paper, a hybrid machining process of Electrical Discharge Face Grinding (EDFG) and Diamond Face Grinding (DFG) named as Electrical Discharge Diamond face Grinding (EDDFG) have been studied using a hybrid methodology of ANN-NSGA-II. In this study, ANN has been used for modeling while NSGA-II is used to optimize the control parameters of the EDDFG process. For observations of input-output relations, the experiments were conducted on a self developed face grinding setup, which is attached with the ram of EDM machine. During experimentation, the wheel speed, pulse current, pulse on-time and duty factor are taken as input parameters while output parameters are material removal rate (MRR) and average surface roughness (R_a). The results have shown that the developed ANN model is capable to predict the output responses within the acceptable limit for a given set of input parameters. It has also been found that hybrid approach of ANN-NSGA-II gives a set of optimal solutions for getting appropriate value of outputs with multiple objectives.     

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.     

基于灰色理论的钛合金电火花加工工艺参数优化试验

为对材料去除速度、电极损耗和表面质量等工艺目标进行综合评价,以钛合金材料为试验对象,基于成熟的电火花加工设备,对峰值电流、脉冲宽度、占空比和抬刀周期等可调工艺参数进行正交试验研究,运用灰色理论进行试验数据分析,将多工艺目标转化为单一考量指标（灰关联度）,简化了试验过程,得到了工艺参数组合优化方案。验证试验结果表明,该参数组合能够在保证表面质量要求的同时,有效提高加工效率和降低电极损耗。     

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.     

Investigations into the effect of tool shapes with size factor consideration in sink electrical discharge machining (EDM) process

In sink electric discharge machining (EDM) process, the tool shape and size along with wear are of great importance because they adversely affect the accuracy of machined features. This paper presents the application of response surface methodology (RSM) for investigating the effect of tool shapes such as triangular, square, rectangular, and circular with size factor consideration along with other process parameters like discharge current, pulse on-time, pulse off-time, and tool area. The RSM-based mathematical models of material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear rate (TWR) have been developed using the data obtained through central composite design. The analysis of variance was applied to verify the lack of fit and adequacy of the developed models. Further, the confirmation tests were performed to ascertain the accuracy of the developed models. The investigations revealed that the best tool shape for higher MRR and lower TWR is circular, followed by triangular, rectangular, and square cross sections. From the parametric analysis, it is also observed that the interaction effect of discharge current and pulse on-time is highly significant on MRR and TWR, whereas the main factors such as pulse off-time and tool area are statistically significant on MRR and TWR.     

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。     

Slotted-electrical discharge diamond cut-off grinding of Al/SiC/B4C hybrid metal matrix composite

Advanced manufacturing industries need materials with high strength and low weight in the fields of advanced engineering, such as automobiles and aeronautics. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are one of the advanced engineering materials that meet the above requirements. To enhance the properties of MMCs, researchers added an additional phase of reinforcements into single reinforced MMCs; such developed MMCs are known as hybrid MMCs. The additional phase of reinforcements enhances the properties of MMCs, but simultaneously leads to rapid tool wear and poor machinability. This study developed an innovative hybrid machining process (HMP) consisting of electrical discharge grinding and diamond grinding in such a way that both the processes occur alternately with equal intervals due to the rotation of a slotted abrasive grinding wheel. The performance of the hybrid process was tested on an Al/SiC_p/B₄C_p work-piece in cut-off grinding mode. The experiments were conducted on an electrical discharge machining machine, which consists of a separate attachment on a vertical column to rotate the wheel. Pulse current, pulse on-time, pulse off-time, wheel RPM, and abrasive grit number were taken as input parameters while material removal rate (MRR) and average surface roughness were taken as output parameters. Result were shown that the HMP gives higher MRR with better surface finish as compared to the constituent processes. Pulse current ranging from 3 A to 21 A, pulse on-time ranging from 30 μs to 200 μs, and pulse off-time ranging from 15 μs to 90 μs were also found to be more suitable for higher MRR, and a wheel RPM at 1300 RPM was more suitable for higher MRR with better surface finish.     

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.     

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.     

混粉准干式电火花加工试验研究

提出一种混粉准干式电火花加工技术,其加工介质是气液固三相流混合物。试验结果表明,材料去除率与表面粗糙度随脉冲宽度、峰值电流及分层厚度的增大而增大,脉冲间隙作用则相反,提高空气压力既有助于提高材料去除率又可降低表面粗糙度,电极损耗随脉冲宽度增大而减小,当脉冲宽度较大时电极损耗接近于零,随峰值电流增大而增加。由于液滴、粉末的介入,气体介质的绝缘强度降低,放电间隙会增加,有利于电蚀产物的排除,可减少短路、电弧放电的发生率,加工稳定性得到提高,从而材料去除率得到提高;由于粉末会产生放电分散效果,电蚀凹坑深度减小,工件表面粗糙度降低。