WEDM process parameter optimization of FSPed copper-BN composites

A systematic view on evaluating the machining characteristics of Wire Cut Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) employing Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis based multiobjective optimization is provided in this research article. The outcome of various WEDM processing parameters including pulse discharge on time (Pulse_ON), pulse discharge off time (Pulse_OFF), wire feed rate (Wire_FR) along with the material characteristics of varying Boron Nitride (BN) volume fractions while machining a friction stir processed (FSPed) copper-BN surface composite was investigated. The output responses considered in this research include Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Surface roughness (R_a) that was obtained from the L27 orthogonal array based on the above said input factors. ANOVA was performed, and Pulse_ON and BN volume fraction were found most significant for MRR, while Pulse_ON and Pulse_OFF influence the most in attaining minimal R_a values. Based on the obtained experimental values for MRR and R_a, a mathematical model was developed based on the control factors and was proved to be precise in predicting the output response. An optimal combination of input control factors was finalized through grey relational analysis, and the same proved to achieve the utmost MRR (20.19?mm³/min) and nominal R_a(3.01?µs) values.     

Influence of input parameters on the near-dry WEDM of Monel alloy

Near-dry wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is a modified WEDM process, which has no adverse effects on the environment, in which metal removals have been done with the dielectric medium being used in the form of a mist. As the increase in production by reducing the machining time is a costly affair, the input parameters attract considerable attention for their optimization. The predominant control characteristics in this study are the time-bound material removal and surface quality. The time duration of the electrical pulse on and off, wire feed, air inlet pressure, and water flow rate are the parameters considered for this experimental analysis. In this paper, the optimization techniques such as RSM method and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to route the experiments and optimize the responses of near-dry WEDM process for machining the material Monel alloy. A model has been formulated mathematically for the two vital responses needed, under the influence of regression analysis. Additivity test has been performed to validate the mathematical model. The air–water mixture in the form of a mist was used in place of dielectric medium to study the impact on material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (R_a), and environment. It was observed that a high surface finish could be obtained at 3 bar pressure.     

Influence of materials and machining parameters on WEDM of Al/AlCoCrFeNiMo0.5 MMC

The current study intends to optimize the wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) parameters while machining the newer AlCoCrFeNiMo_0.5 high entropy alloy (HEA) particles-reinforced aluminum composites. AlCoCrFeNiMo_0.5 HEA particles produced through arc melting technique are reinforced here for different weight % (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15%) along with pure aluminum by the way of powder metallurgy. WEDM studies were conducted by varying the appropriate parameters, namely, pulse ON time, pulse OFF time, and wire feed. Based on the selected parameters, through Taguchi method L18 orthogonal array is designed; the optimal parameter combination for better surface finish, material removal rate (MRR), and reduced kerf width (KW) is identified. For better understanding, through ANOVA, also the effect of each input variables over these adopted response variables was analyzed. The yielded results reveal that addition of AlCoCrFeNiMo_0.5 HEA as reinforcement has considerable effect over the response variablessuch that MRR and KW reduces; surface roughness increases with increase in HEA %. ANOVA results confirm that pulse ON time has higher effect over the response variables than any other parameters involved for the study. Multi-objective optimization done through Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodology answers that MRR and surface finish have improved, whereas KW gets reduced noticeably.     

Experimental investigation and optimization during the fabrication of arrayed structures using reverse EDM

In recent years, reverse electric discharge machining (R-EDM) has been evolved as a method for the fabrication of arrayed structures for surface texturing which find applications in fabrication of fins and component assembly. In this study, the feasibility of R-EDM process in the fabrication of arrayed features of ?3?mm and height 2?mm on mild steel has been investigated utilizing response surface methodology (RSM)-based experimentation. Influence of control variables such as peak current (I_p), pulse-on time (T_on), and flushing pressure (F_p) on some of the vital geometric characteristics like taper and cylindricity error along with material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (SR), microhardness, and surface morphology of pillared structure has been investigated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results show that I_p has a significant influence followed by T_on on MRR. I_p has a significant contribution toward SR, taper, and cylindricity error. High microhardness was found in heat-affected zone (HAZ). The optimal combination of parameter obtained using principal component analysis (PCA)-based grey relational analysis (GRA) is determined to be I_p?=?10 A, T_on?=?100 μs, and F_p?=?0.3?kg/cm², which was further ascertained using confirmatory test.     

Multi-attribute decision-making of cryogenically cooled micro-EDM drilling process parameters using TOPSIS method

The geometrical characteristics of the micro-holes along with the performance measures are matter of critical concern in micro-electrical discharge machining (μEDM) process. This paper presents the multi-attribute decision-making of cryogenically cooled micro-EDM (CμEDM) drilling process. Current (I_p), pulse on duration (T_on), pulse off duration (T_off), and gap voltage (V_g) were the input process parameters preferred to optimize the multiple responses of geometrical characterization including taper angle (TA), overcut (OC), circularity at the entry and exit (C_ent and C_exit), and performance measures including material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), and average roughness (R_a). The Taguchi-based L₂₇ orthogonal array (OA) is used to carry out the experimental runs, and technique for order of preference by similarity ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach is used for the identification of optimal parameters on AISI 304 stainless steel. The optimized result achieved from this approach suggests improved TA, OC, C_ent, C_exit, MRR, and lower TWR, surface roughness (SR) with the combinations of CμEDM drilling process such as I_p of 15 A, T_on of 10?µs, T_off of 30?µs, and V_g of 30?V. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to identify the major influencing parameter.     

Optimization of photochemical machining process parameters for manufacturing microfluidic channel

In the present study, the investigation on photochemical machining (PCM) of stainless steel (SS-304) by ferric chloride as etchant is reported. SS-304 is machined by PCM process to obtain accurate dimensions and better geometrical features. Weighted grey relational analysis (WGRA) technique is used in optimization of PCM process parameters. DoE (L₂₇) orthogonal array is applied to evaluate machining parameters, such as concentration of etchant, etching time, and temperature of etchant. The multiobjective optimization technique is used to optimize material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (R_a), undercut (U_c) and etch factor (EF). Weighted grey relational grade is calculated to minimize U_c and surface roughness and to maximize MRR and EF. The quality characteristics MRR, EF, U_c, and R_a are reporting the improvement after the confirmatory test. The optimum machining parameters are processed to manufacture the microfluidic channel used in biomedical applications. The microfluidic channels and its assembly with Y-type for mixing of fluid with a size of 100 µm, 200 µm, and 300 µm are developed and investigated.     

Controlling the material removal and roughness of Inconel 718 in laser machining

Nickel alloys including Inconel 718 are considered as challenging materials for machining. Laser beam machining could be a promising choice to deal with such materials for simple to complex machining features. The machining accuracy is mainly dependent on the rate of material removal per laser scan. Because of the involvement of many laser parameters and complexity of the machining mechanism it is not always simple to achieve machining with desired accuracy. Actual machining depth extremely varies from very low to aggressively high values with reference to the designed depth. Thus, a research is needed to be carried out to control the process parameters to get actual material removal rate (MRR_act) equals to the theoretical material removal rate (MRR_th) with minimum surface roughness (SR) of the machined surfaces. In this study, five important laser parameters have been used to investigate their effects on MRR and SR. Statistical analysis are performed to identify the significant parameters with their strength of effects. Mathematical models have been developed and validated to predict the machining responses. Optimal set of laser parameters have also been proposed and confirmed to achieve the actual MRR close to the designed MRR (MRR_% = 100.1%) with minimum surface roughness (R_a = 2.67 µm).     

Surface and porous recast layer analysis in µ-EDM of MWCNT-Al2O3 composites

Machining of ceramic materials has been a major challenge owing to high hardness and brittleness. The reinforcement of a conducting filler allows permissible machining in electrical discharge machining (EDM) process. The current effort analyses the impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) of concentrations of 2.5 and 5 vol. %, as conducting filler towards machinability of alumina composites in µ-EDM process. The influence of tool materials and its rotation are closely analyzed. A successful machining process is observed in both the two composites, with a higher material removal rate (MRR) in 5 vol. % MWCNTs. When the tool starts to rotate at 750 rpm, an increment of around 60–65% is observed in MRR for both the two composites. Similarly, the surface roughness (R_a) decreases by a factor of 20?25%. The brass tool is observed to yield better machining capabilities due to the frequent initiation of sparks. A highly porous machined surface is observed in both the two composites. This scenario depicts the spalling effect as more dominant than melting-evaporation effect. The extent of porous recast layer on the drilled edges is found to reduce with increasing the speed of tool rotation.     

Improving the machining performance characteristics of the µEDM drilling process by the online cryogenic cooling approach

Productivity and surface quality would significantly affect the performance of the micro electrical discharge machining process (µEDM). Thus, the machining performance would be enhanced by improving the material removal rate (MRR) and surface quality. In this investigation, cryogenic LN₂ cooling was introduced to the conventional µEDM setup for developing an innovative process of cryogenically cooled µEDM process (CµEDM). The favorable outcomes of this process were estimated by selecting discharge current (I_p) and pulse on duration (T_on) for determining the effects of the machining performance including MRR and surface integrity. Surface quality was also analyzed by microstructural analysis and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for evaluating the effects of the cryogenically cooled µEDM process. The experimental result shows 54–62% improvement in MRR and 22–36% improvement in average roughness values. Hence, it is suggested that cryogenically cooled µEDM facilitates improvement in productivity and surface quality.     

Integrated ANN–GA for estimating the minimum value for machining performance

In this study, we proposed a new approach in estimating a minimum value of machining performance. In this approach, artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) techniques were integrated in order to search for a set of optimal cutting condition points that leads to the minimum value of machining performance. Three machining cutting conditions for end milling operation that were considered in this study are speed (v), feed (f) and radial rake angle (γ). The considered machining performance is surface roughness (R _a). The minimum R _a value at the optimal v, f and γ points was expected from this approach. Using the proposed approach, named integrated ANN–GA, this study has proven that R _a can be estimated to be 0.139?µm, at the optimal cutting conditions of f?=?167.029?m/min, v?=?0.025?mm/tooth and γ?=?14.769°. Consequently, the ANN–GA integration system has reduced the R _a value at about 26.8%, 25.7%, 26.1% and 49.8%, compared to the experimental, regression, ANN and response surface method results, respectively. Compared to the conventional GA result, it was also found that integrated ANN–GA reduced the mean R _a value and the number of iterations in searching for the optimal result at about 0.61% and 23.9%, respectively.     

Effect of deep cryotreated tungsten carbide electrode and SiC powder on EDM performance of AISI 304

Abstract

Powder mixed electric discharge machining (PMEDM) is a further advancement of conventional EDM process in which electrically conductive powder is suspended in the dielectric fluid to enhance the material removal rate (MRR) along with the surface quality. Cryotreatment is introduced in this process for improving the cutting tool properties as well as tool life. In this investigation, EDM is performed for the machining of AISI 304 stainless steel using cryotreated double tempered tungsten carbide electrode when SiC powder is suspended in the kerosene dielectric. The influence of process parameters viz. pulse on time, peak current, duty cycle, gap voltage and powder concentration on tool wear rate (TWR), surface roughness (R_a), and MRR has been studied. Metallographic analysis was carried out for the machined surfaces. By the addition of powder concentration and cryotreated double tempered electrode, significant improvement in the machining efficiency has been found out. When cryotreated electrode used MRR, TWR and R_a decreased by 12%, 24% and 13.3%, respectively and when SiC powder used MRR increased by 23.2%, TWR and R_a decreased by about 25% and 14.2%, respectively.     

Fabrication and characterization of machinable Si3N4/h-BN functionally graded materials

A new design method of machinable ceramic composites was proposed, which applies the graded-structure concept to the design of machinable Si₃N₄ ceramics. Silicon nitride/hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) functionally graded materials (FGMs) were fabricated by hot pressing at 1750°C for 2 h, varying the alignment of the amount of hexagonal BN using powder layering method. The improved machinability of Si₃N₄/h-BN composite can be attributed to addition of layered structure hexagonal BN. Hexagonal BN possesses excellent cleavage planes perpendicular to the c-axis. Ease of machining depends on degree of crystal interlocking; hence volume content of h-BN crystals and their aspect ratio affect machinability. Such design can improve the machinability of composite, and at the same time can make the mechanical properties of Si₃N₄ ceramic not to be sacrificed too much. The texture of h-BN and β-Si₃N₄ was observed during hot pressing sintering.     

AWJM Performance of jute/polyester composite using MOORA and analytical models

This work addresses the machinability performance of jute/polyester composites with variable laminate thickness using Abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) process. A hybrid objective function was developed using surface roughness (R_a) and kerf taper angle (T_a) and studied using a cost-effective Multi Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis named as MOORA. The influence of machining parameters such as hydraulic pressure (P), feed rate (V_f) and standoff distance (S_d) on quality characteristics were considered for this analysis. Among all, V_f was found to be a strong influencing factor on T_a and R_a. The deviation in the magnitude of T_a and R_a was observed in the case of varying laminate thicknesses without affecting the optimum condition. Besides, a mathematical regression model was developed for both T_a and R_a based on the correlation between the dependent variables. Furthermore, two other models of R_a available in the literature were considered for comparison with experimental results. The results revealed the suitability of these models for the polymer-based fiber-reinforced composite materials, but limited to the maximum thickness of 3?mm. The good agreement of the models with two different sets of experimental values was also found.     

Structural changes of wurtzite-type and zincblende-type boron nitrides by shock treatments

Wurtzite-type boron nitride (w-BN) and zincblende-type boron nitride (z-BN) powders were shock-treated in the pressure range of 60 to 200 GPa to clarify their polymorphic transformations. The recovered BN powders revealed the effects of the shock wave and residual temperature on phase transition of BN. W-BN was partly transformed to z-BN by shock compression at a pressure of about 100 GPa. At pressures greater than 100 GPa, portions of the w-BN and z-BN powders changed into the BN having a turbostratic structure. Subsequently, this form was crystallized to graphite-like BN (g-BN) and a new form of BN due to high residual temperatures. This new BN modification, probably stabilized by the high surface energy associated with its fine crystallite size of less than 50 nm, was identified as fcc structure with a lattice parameter ofa ₀ = 0.8405 nm. The transformation of z-BN to w-BN was not detected in this post-shock study, as was observed in static high pressure studies.On leave from the Research Laboratory of Engineering Materials, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Midori, Yokohama 227, Japan.     

An effective precursor for growth of bubble-chain boron nitride nanotubes

Large amounts of bubble-chain boron nitride nanotubes were synthesised by annealing an effective precursor. The porous precursor was produced by self-propagation high-temperature synthesis method using Mg, B₂O₃, amorphous B and Fe₂O₃ as the starting materials, which played an important role in synthesis of BN nanotubes in large quantities. Samples were characterised by SEM, TEM, HRTEM, X-ray powder diffraction and Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The as-synthesised BN nanotubes revealed periodical bubble-chain structures, having diameters of range 20–200?nm?and an average length of more than 5?µm. The effects of temperature, time and the possible mechanism of the growth of the BN nanotubes were also discussed.     

Experimental Investigation and Optimization of Process Parameters of Al/SiC MMCs Finished by Abrasive Flow Machining

In the era of nontraditional finishing processes, it is of upmost importance that these processes can be applied to composite materials as these have replaced traditional materials in many applications. Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) is an advanced finishing process. Composite materials have replaced traditional materials as their properties such as light weight, high strength, and good economy are of great benefit. In the literature, work has been reported on AFM of materials such as aluminum, brass, and EN8. In the present work, composite materials with a high percentage of SiC (e.g., 20–60% SiC in Al/SiC composites) were machined using abrasive flow finishing. The Taguchi method was applied to find the effect of input parameters on material removal rate (MRR), change in surface roughness (ΔR_a), and surface topography, and L27 array was designed for experimentation. It was observed that extrusion pressure is the most significant factor in regard to MRR and ΔR_a. Optimization of response parameters (MRR and ΔR_a) was determined using the Taguchi method. Microstructure analysis was also done for workpiece materials using SEM and XRD.     

Machining Parameters Optimization of Titanium Alloy using Response Surface Methodology and Particle Swarm Optimization under Minimum-Quantity Lubrication Environment

The present paper depicts an application of response surface methodology (RSM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique for optimizing the machining factors in turning of titanium (Grade-II) alloy using cubic boron nitride insert tool under minimum quantity lubricant (MQL) environment. The three machining factors, i.e., cutting speed (V_c), feed rate (f) and side cutting edge angle (approach angle π), are designed as three factors by using RSM design, which is withal subject to several constraints including tangential force (F_c), tool wear (V_Bmax), surface roughness (R_a) and tool-chip contact length (L). The multiple regression technique was used to establish the interaction between input parameters and given responses. Moreover, the results have been presented and optimized process parameters are acquired through multi-response optimization via desirability function as well as the PSO technique. The lower values of V_c (200 m/min), f (0.10 mm/rev) and higher values of ? (90°) are the optimum machining factors for minimizing the aforementioned responses. It was also observed that the selected responses predicated on PSO are much closer as that of the values acquired in view of the desirability function approach. Henceforth, PSO has the potential to cull appropriate machining factors while turning titanium (Grade-II) alloys under MQL conditions.     

Characterization of wurtzitic boron nitride compacts

Characterization of sintered polycrystalline wurtzitic boron nitride compacts was carried out regarding the different crystalline phases that are formed at high temperature and high pressure, composition, particle size distribution of BN and binder and hardness. Wurtzitic boron nitride, cubic boron nitride, TiC/TiN solid solution, TiB and TiB₂ were the crystalline phases that have been observed in sintered wurtzitic boron nitride compacts. The particle size distribution of BN and the binder was found to be comparable (1 to 5m), with about 80% of the particles lying between 2 and 3m. Weight percentages of different elements present in these compacts were determined. The average Knoop hardness values under 500 g load were measured, and the variation of hardness as a function of position on the specimen surface was studied.     

Experimental investigations into electric discharge grinding and ultrasonic vibration-assisted electric discharge grinding of Inconel 601

The paper presents experimental investigations into electric discharge grinding (EDG) and ultrasonic vibration-assisted electric discharge grinding (UVAEDG) of Inconel 601. The process parameters selected for both processes were duty cycle, discharge current, pulse on time, grinding wheel speed, work speed, and speed ratio to study their influence on responses like surface roughness (R_a) and material removal rate (MRR). It was found that duty cycle, wheel speed, work speed, discharge current, speed ratio, and pulse duration significantly influenced MRR and R_a. It was inferred that MRR increased with increase in duty cycle, wheel speed, current, work speed, and pulse duration in both EDG and UVAEDG processes. It was also inferred that R_a increased with rise in duty factor, pulse on time, and discharge current in EDG and UVAEDG processes.     

Synthesis of dense forms of B-C-N system using chemical-vapor-deposition/high-pressure process

Composites made up of boron, carbon, and nitrogen were studied using a combination of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and high pressure (HP) techniques. The CVD/HP process comprised deposition of C_x (BN)_1–x composites where x = 0.03 or 0.8, followed by heat treatment of the deposited samples under pressures from 6 to 10 GPa using an octahedral-anvil apparatus. Also a sample prepared by nitriding of boron and carbon to compose x = 0.5 was studied up to 16 GPa. A diamond-type solid solution was obtained after the C_0.8(BN)_0.2 sample was treated at 10 GPa and 1600°C or at 8 GPa and 1700°C whereas the C_0.03(BN)_0.97 and C_0.5(BN)_0.5 samples exhibited decomposition into carbon and BN under all the P, T conditions studied. Sintered compacts consisting primarily of the cubic BN and carrying hardness with a maximum value of 54 GPa were obtained from C_0.03(BN)_0.97.