Influence of the pulse shape on the EDM performance of Si3N4-TiN ceramic composite

This paper describes the influence of the EDM discharge pulse shape on the machining performances and material removal mechanisms of Si₃N₄-TiN. Dramatic differences of material removal, ranging from classical melting to chemical decomposition, are observed by applying different pulse shapes such as the iso-energetic or relaxation type discharge pulses. It not just leads to the change of surface texture and machining performances, but also has influences on the ceramic properties. An EDM strategy is developed for the production of ceramic components in Si₃N₄-TiN and validated through the fabrication of a high temperature mesoscopic gas turbine.     

Surface integrity and material removal mechanisms associated with the EDM of Al2O3 ceramic composite

Electric discharge machining (EDM) has been proven as an alternate process for machining complex and intricate shapes from the conductive ceramic composites. The performance and reliability of electrical discharge machined ceramic composite components are influenced by strength degradation due to EDM-induced damage. The success of electric discharge machined components in real applications relies on the understanding of material removal mechanisms and the relationship between the EDM parameters and formation of surface and subsurface damages. This paper presents a detailed investigation of machining characteristics, surface integrity and material removal mechanisms of advanced ceramic composite Al₂O₃–SiC_w–TiC with EDM. The surface and subsurface damages have also been assessed and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results provide valuable insight into the dependence of damage and the mechanisms of material removal on EDM conditions.     

复杂流道构件组合放电加工技术研究

复杂流道构件的高效、高精度加工是液体火箭发动机的核心制造技术之一,随着发动机涡轮泵功率及涡轮效率的不断提升,涡轮泵复杂流道构件的加工去除量大幅增加,同时对加工精度的要求也越来越严格。故提出了高速放电铣削粗加工与多轴联动电火花成形精密加工复合的加工工艺,通过对复杂流道构件的高速放电铣削加工电极损耗补偿和多轴联动电火花成形加工轨迹规划等技术的研究,实现了复杂流道构件的高效、高精度放电加工。     

Tool path generation for 4-axis contour EDM rough machining

Contour or CNC EDM machining of free-form surfaces requires tool paths that are different from those used in mechanical milling although in geometry both processes are described by the similar model of intersection between the rotating tool and the workpiece. In this paper, special requirements on tool paths demanded by contour EDM machining are studied and a two-phase tool path generation method for 4-axis contour EDM rough milling with a cylindrical electrode is developed. In the first phase of the method, initial tool paths for virtual 3-axis milling are generated in a commercial CAD/CAM system—Unigraphics, which provides users with plenty of options in choosing suitable tool path patterns. From these tool paths, cutter contact (CC) points between electrode and workpiece are reversely calculated. In the second phase, considering the special requirements of EDM machining, which include discharging gap compensation, electrode wear compensation, DC arcing prevention, etc., the electrode is adjusted to an optimized interference-free orientation by rotating it around the CC points obtained in the previous phase. This new orientation together with the reference point of electrode is output as new tool path. The whole algorithm has been integrated into Unigraphics, machining simulations and tests have been conducted for 4-axis contour EDM rough machining.     

Micro-EDM process investigation and comparison performance of Al3O2 and ZrO2 based ceramic composites

This paper investigates the micro-EDM behaviour of an Al₃O₂ and ZrO₂ based electrically conductive ceramic composites. The influence of the generator parameters on material removal rate, relative tool wear, surface quality and material removal mechanism is investigated towards the definition of suitable micro-EDM technologies. The study is based on a design of experiments, supported by a fundamental investigation of the generator parameters. Similar variations trends to the machining of steel are observed within the investigated process window, for exception of the tool wear performance. The developed EDM technologies are finally validated through the fabrication of industrial demonstrators.     

Development of an operations evaluation system for sinking EDM

This paper describes the development and validation of an operations evaluation system for sinking EDM operations. Based on a given workpiece geometry (e.g. mould), regions to be EDM’ed are automatically indentified. For a given electrode configuration, consisting of one or more regions, EDM machining times are calculated, making a proper process planning possible. The EDM time calculation is based on reference values for machining times which are then corrected for changes in the electrode geometry and generator settings. The developed system has been validated, proving a better and more accurate machining time estimation.     

Effect of electrode material on electrical discharge machining of alumina

Technologies for machining advanced insulating ceramics are demanded in many industrial fields. Recently, several insulating ceramics, such as Si₃N₄, SiC and ZrO₂, have been successfully machined by electrical discharge machining (EDM). As unstable discharges occur during the machining of Al₂O₃ ceramics, inferior machining properties have been obtained. The formation mechanism of the electrical conductive layer on the EDMed surface is much different as compared to other ceramics. In addition to this, the electrically conductive layers are not formed sufficiently to adhere to the EDMed workpiece surface and keep a stable and continuous discharge generation on the ceramics. Graphite is widely used as electrode material in EDM. It is expected that carbon from graphite electrode implant and generate a conductive layer. Copper, graphite (Poco EDM-3) and copper-infiltrated-graphite (Poco EDM-C3) electrodes were used to compare the effects of generation of a conductive layer on alumina corresponding to EDM properties. The electrical discharge machining of 95% pure alumina shows that the EDM-C3 performs very well, giving significantly higher material removal rate (MRR) and lower electrode wear ratio than the EDM-3 and copper electrodes. The value of MRR was found to increase by 60% for EDM-3 with positive electrode polarity. As for EDM-C3, MRR was increased by 80% under the same condition. When the results were investigated with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), no element of copper was observed on the conductive layer with both EDM-3 and EDM-C3. However, surface resistivity of a conductive layer created with EDM-C3 is less than with EDM-3. Surface roughness was improved to 25 μm with positive polarity of EDM-C3.     

日本放电加工的新方法和新技术

综述了日本在放电加工领域的最新研究动态，包括成形放电加工、微细放电加工和线切割放电加工三部分内容。在成形放电加工方面，主要介绍一项新技术——气中放电高速三维空腔铣的原理、实验装置及加工效果；在微细放电加工方面，主要介绍一种新近开发的可同时加工微细轴和微孔的自动微孔加工装置和目前已加工出的微细轴的最小尺寸；在线切割放电加工方面，主要介绍了提高圆角加工精度的新方法、提高放电位置可控性的新方法和新的硅锭切片方法。     

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

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

Influence of the type and grain size of the electro-conductive phase on the Wire-EDM performance of ZrO2 ceramic composites

This paper investigates the Wire-EDM behaviour of various newly developed electro-conductive ZrO₂ ceramic matrix composites. The influence of the type and grain size of the second phase (WC, TiC and TiCN, from micro sized to nano sized grains) on the EDM material removal rate and obtained surface roughness is experimentally studied. This investigation is based on a design of experiments supported by a fundamental study of the material removal mechanisms. It is shown that a variation in grain size of the second phase material significantly influences the EDM performance, which can be largely related to the microstructure and the properties of the developed material.     

Cutting performance of solid ceramic end milling tools in machining hardened AISI H13 steel

Ceramic tools have been widely used in the cutting of hard-to-machine materials, but the applications of solid ceramic milling cutters are limited due to their design and manufacturing restrictions. This research investigates the cutting performances of four solid ceramic end milling tools including Si₃N₄, Ti(C,N), SG4 and LT55 in machining hardened AISI H13 steel (HRC 60-62). The results show that the cutting forces of ceramic end milling tools are less than that of the referenced cemented carbide tool, and such ceramic tools of Si₃N₄, Ti(C,N) and LT55 produce better surface qualities and have longer tool lives. With excellent mechanical peoperties including hardness, bending srength and fracture toughness, the ceramic tool of Ti(C,N) presents the best cutting performance taking the cutting force, machined surface quality and tool life in consideration simultaneously. The research has proven the application feasibility of ceramic materials in the manufacture of solid tools. The solid ceramic end milling tools are geometric extensions for traditional ceramic tools and they can be used in machining hardened steels.     

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.     

Development of new-concept desk top size machine tool

A desktop multiprocess machinery has been designed that has two concepts: miniaturizing of machine tool and multiprocessing with a same machine tool. The prototype of desktop multiprocess machinery is developed in this study. This is tabletop size machine tool that has five changeable machining heads. Outline of main body and machining head are presented.In order to know the basic accuracy of desktop multiprocess machinery, experimental evaluation is carried out. Machining head setting error, stiffness of multiprocess machinery and straightness of X, Y, Z stage is measured. To study the basic performance of desktop multiprocess machinery, a complex machining experiment is carried out with the developed machine tool. The complex machining consists of three steps: electrode machining by milling, hole shaping by EDM, and hole finishing by ECM. These steps are performed in sequence on the same machine tool. The complex machining is successfully carried out. In order to evaluate the desktop multiprocess machinery from environmental point of view, machining energy, volume of machining liquid, and installation space of desktop multiprocess machinery are measured. The measured values are compared with estimated values with conventional machine tools. The machining energy, the volume of machining liquid, and the installation space of desktop multiprocess machinery are smaller than those of conventional machine tool.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of the SiC/Nb joint brazed using AgCuTi+B4C composite filler metal

The residual stress is considered to be the driving force for the failure of ceramic/metal brazing joint. In this paper, the residual stress in a SiC/Nb joint is alleviated by using AgCuTi+B₄C composite brazing filler. SEM, EDS and XRD are applied to characterised the microstructure of the joint, which is determined to be SiC/Ti₃SiC₂/Ag(s,s)+Cu(s,s)+TiB+TiC/TiCu+ Nb(s,s)/Nb. The effects of the B₄C strengthening phase mass fraction and the brazing temperature on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the joint are investigated. It is found that the reaction products between B₄C and the brazing filler (TiB whisker and TiC particles) uniformly distribute inside the joint if the mass fraction of the B₄C is not higher than 1.5 wt% and when the amount of B₄C reaches 2 wt%, the reaction products begin to agglomerate. With the rising of the brazing temperature, the thickness of the Ti₃SiC₂ reaction layer next to the ceramic increases and when the brazing temperature reaches 910 °C, another reaction layer of Ti₅Si₃ can be found adjacent to the Ti₃SiC₂ reaction layer. The strength of the joint first increases and then decreases with the increase of both the strengthening phase and the brazing temperature. The highest shear strength of the joint reaches 98 MPa when the joint is achieved at 890 °C using AgCuTi+1.5 wt%B₄C brazing filler.     

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.     

分层厚度对微细电火花铣削加工模具及热压制品表面粗糙度的影响

分层厚度直接影响微细电火花铣削加工的加工效率及表面粗糙度。为了合理规划微细电火花铣削加工的分层厚度,提高加工效率,研究了分层厚度对微细电火花加工的模具型腔及相应热压成形制品表面粗糙度的影响,同时分析了热压成形制品表面与微模具型腔表面之间的关系,以及热压前、后微模具型腔表面轮廓的变化。结果表明:当电极轨迹重叠率一定时,模具型腔底面的表面粗糙度值随着分层厚度的增加而增大;分层厚度对型腔侧壁表面粗糙度无明显影响;热压制品表面轮廓算术平均偏差小于模具型腔表面轮廓算术平均偏差;热压后的模具表面轮廓发生了变化,表面粗糙度值Ra和峰高Rpk减小,峰谷Rvk增大。     

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.     

Machining performance of silicon carbide ceramic in end electric discharge milling

A new process of machining silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic using end electrical discharge milling is proposed in this paper. The process is able to effectively machine a large surface area on SiC ceramic with good surface quality and low cost. The effects of machining conditions on the material removal rate, electrode wear ratio, and surface roughness have been investigated. The surface microstructures machined by the new process are examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and an X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the SiC ceramic is removed by melting, evaporation and thermal spalling, the material from the tool electrode can transfer to the workpiece, and a combination reaction takes place during end electric discharge milling of the SiC ceramic.     

喷雾电火花铣削加工及其机理的分析

提出一种用高压雾气作为放电介质的电火花加工新方法——啧雾电火花铣削加工，与采用气体介质的干式电火花加工相比高压雾气具有更好的冷却作用，可以提高放电通道的爆炸力．有利于提高生产率。与常规电火花加工相比具有工艺柔性好，制造成本低，电极制造费用低、周期短．无污染等优点。     

微细电火花铣削工件侧面轮廓加工研究

开展了不同分层厚度电火花铣削侧面轮廓加工研究,通过改变线性补偿值,研究不同补偿率下的电极形状与稳定铣削深度,获得了较大分层厚度下的恒定深度铣削槽;分析总结了锥形电极的形成与稳定原因和不同补偿量对电火花铣槽影响的相关规律;通过线性补偿法对圆弧形片状工件和具有一定倾角工件的侧面加工铣削,验证了实验规律.