Optimization of micro milling electrical discharge machining of Inconel 718 by Grey-Taguchi method

The optimization of micro milling electrical discharge machining（EDM） process parameters of Inconel 718 alloy to achieve multiple performance characteristics such as low electrode wear,high material removal rate and low working gap was investigated by the Grey-Taguchi method.The influences of peak current,pulse on-time,pulse off-time and spark gap on electrode wear（EW）,material removal rate（MRR） and working gap（WG） in the micro milling electrical discharge machining of Inconel 718 were analyzed.The experimental results show that the electrode wear decreases from 5.6×10-9 to 5.2×10-9 mm3/min,the material removal rate increases from 0.47×10-8 to 1.68×10-8 mm3/min,and the working gap decreases from 1.27 to 1.19 μm under optimal micro milling electrical discharge machining process parameters.Hence,it is clearly shown that multiple performance characteristics can be improved by using the Grey-Taguchi method.

Micro Electrical Discharge Machining Deposition in Air for Fabrication of Micro Spiral Structures

Micro electrical discharge machining（EDM） deposition process is a new micro machining method for fabrication of metal micro structures. In this process, the high level of tool electrode wear is used to achieve the metal material deposition. Up to now, the studies of micro EDM deposition process focused mainly on the researches of deposition process, namely the effects of discharge parameters in deposition process on the deposition rate or deposition quality. The research of the formation of micro structures with different discharge energy density still lacks. With proper conditions and only by the z-axis feeding in vertical direction, a novel shape of micro spiral structure can be deposited, with 0.11 mm in wire diameter, 0.20 mm in outside diameter, and 3.78 mm in height. Then some new deposition strategies including angular deposition and against the gravity deposition were also successful. In order to find the forming mechanism of the spiral structures, the numerical simulation of the transient temperature distribution on the discharge point was conducted by using the finite-element method（FEM）. The results show that there are two major factors lead to the forming of the spiral structures. One is the different material removal form of tool electrode according with the discharge energy density, the other is the influenced degree of the movement of the removed material particles in the discharge gap. The more the energy density in single discharge is, the smaller the mass of the removed material particles is, and the easier the movements of which will be changed to form an order tendency. The fine texture characteristics of the deposited micro spiral structures were analyzed by the energy spectrum analysis and the metallographic analysis. It shows that the components of the deposited material are almost the same as those of the tool electrode. Moreover the deposited material has the brass metallic luster in the longitudinal profile and has compact bonding with the base material. This research is useful to understand the micro-process of micro EDM deposition better and helpful to increase the controllability of the new EDM method for fabrication of micro structures.

Experimental Research on Effects of Process Parameters on Servo Scanning 3D Micro Electrical Discharge Machining

Servo scanning 3D micro electrical discharge machining (3D SSMEDM) is a novel and effective method in fabricating complex 3D micro structures with high aspect ratio on conducting materials. In 3D SSMEDM process, the axial wear of tool electrode can be compensated automatically by servo-keeping discharge gap, instead of the traditional methods that depend on experiential models or intermittent compensation. However, the effects of process parameters on 3D SSMEDM have not been reported up until now. In this study, the emphasis is laid on the effects of pulse duration, peak current, machining polarity, track style, track overlap, and scanning velocity on the 3D SSMEDM performances of machining efficiency, processing status, and surface accuracy. A series of experiments were carried out by machining a micro-rectangle cavity (900 μm×600 μm) on doped silicon. The experimental results were obtained as follows. Peak current plays a main role in machining efficiency and surface accuracy. Pulse duration affects obviously the stability of discharge state. The material removal rate of cathode processing is about 3/5 of that of anode processing. Compared with direction-parallel path, contour-parallel path is better in counteracting the lateral wear of tool electrode end. Scanning velocity should be selected moderately to avoid electric arc and short. Track overlap should be slightly less than the radius of tool electrode. In addition, a typical 3D micro structure of eye shape was machined based on the optimized process parameters. These results are beneficial to improve machining stability, accuracy, and efficiency in 3D SSMEDM.

Micro electrical discharge machining of small hole in TC4 alloy

Aiming at machining deeply small holes in TC4 alloy,a series of experiments were carried out on a self-developed multi-axis micro electrical discharge machining(micro-EDM)machine tool.To improve machining efficiency and decrease relative wear of electrode in machining deeply small hole in TC4 alloy,many factors in micro-EDM,such as polarity,electrical parameters and supplying ways of working fluid were studied.Experimental results show that positive polarity machining is far superior to negative polarity machining;it is more optimal when open-circuit voltage,pulse width and pulse interval are 130 V,5μs and 15μs respectively on the self developed multi-axis micro-EDM machine tool;when flushing method is applied in micro-EDM,the machining efficiency is higher and relative wear of electrode is smaller.

Scale Effects and a Method for Similarity Evaluation in Micro Electrical Discharge Machining

Electrical discharge machining（EDM） is a promising non-traditional micro machining technology that offers a vast array of applications in the manufacturing industry. However, scale effects occur when machining at the micro-scale, which can make it difficult to predict and optimize the machining performances of micro EDM. A new concept of ＂scale effects＂ in micro EDM is proposed, the scale effects can reveal the difference in machining performances between micro EDM and conventional macro EDM. Similarity theory is presented to evaluate the scale effects in micro EDM. Single factor experiments are conducted and the experimental results are analyzed by discussing the similarity difference and similarity precision. The results show that the output results of scale effects in micro EDM do not change linearly with discharge parameters. The values of similarity precision of machining time significantly increase when scaling-down the capacitance or open-circuit voltage. It is indicated that the lower the scale of the discharge parameter, the greater the deviation of non-geometrical similarity degree over geometrical similarity degree, which means that the micro EDM system with lower discharge energy experiences more scale effects. The largest similarity difference is 5.34 while the largest similarity precision can be as high as 114.03. It is suggested that the similarity precision is more effective in reflecting the scale effects and their fluctuation than similarity difference. Consequently, similarity theory is suitable for evaluating the scale effects in micro EDM. This proposed research offers engineering values for optimizing the machining parameters and improving the machining performances of micro EDM.

Comparative study on discharge conditions in micro-hole electrical discharge machining of tungsten carbide (WC-Co) material

WC-Co is used widely in die and mold industries due to its unique combination of hardness, strength and wear-resistance. For machining difficult-to-cut materials, such as tungsten carbide, micro-electrical discharge machining(EDM) is one of the most effective methods for making holes because the hardness is not a dominant parameter in EDM. This paper describes the characteristics of the discharge conditions for micro-hole EDM of tungsten carbide with a WC grain size of 0.5 μm and Co content of 12%. The EDM process was conducted by varying the condenser and resistance values. A R-C discharge EDM device using arc erosion for micro-hole machining was suggested. Furthermore, the characteristics of the developed micro-EDM were analyzed in terms of the electro-optical observation using an oscilloscope and field emission scanning electron microscope.

Material properties and machining performance of hybrid Ti_2AlN bulk material for micro electrical discharge machining

Mn+1AXn(MAX) phases are a family of nanolaminated compounds that possess unique combination of typical ceramic properties and typical metallic properties.As a member of MAX phase,Ti2 AlN bulk materials are attractive for some high-temperature applications.The synthesis,characteristics and machining performance of hybrid Ti2 AlN bulk materials were focused on in this work.The bulk samples mainly consisting of Ti2 AlN MAX phase with density close to theoretic one were synthesized by a spark plasma sintering method.Scanning electron microscopy results indicate homogenous distribution of Ti2 AlN grains in the samples.Micro-hardness values are almost constant under different loads (6-6.5 GPa).A machining test was carried out to compare the effect of material properties on micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) performance for Ti2 AlN bulk samples and Ti6242 alloy.The machining performance of the Ti2 AlN sample is better than that of the Ti6242 alloy.The inherent mechanism was discussed by considering their electrical and thermal conductivity.

Development of micro wire electrical discharge machining platform and its application

A machining platform of micro wire electrical discharge machining (MWEDM) was developed. The key technology of MWEDM mainly includes granite basement, micro energy pulse generator, detection and servo control system, constant tension winding system and V-block guide wire mechanism. Utilizing micro wire electrode with 30μm in diameter, the MWEDM can machine the micro slot with the minimum size of 38μm wide, and the surface roughness is smaller than 0.1μm, the machining precision is less than 0.5μm, the white layer is no more than 2μm with main cut. All kinds of complex micro parts, such as micro gear, micro bearing bracket and micro shaped holes, can also be machined by using this platform.

Fabrication of Micro Structures by Ultrashort Voltage Pulse Electrical Discharge Machining

The machining of small holes and array holes has been a difficult problem in machining field. Tiny hole is widely used in mechanical field, for instance, fuel injection nozzles, spinneret holes for synthetic fibers and wire drawing dies. This paper investigated the application of EDM (electrical discharge machining) to the fabrication of micro structures. There are obvious limitations in the process of micro-electrical discharge machining, such as electrode wear, unstable discharge condition and low machining efficiency. The effects of EDM parameters were investigated, such as voltage, pulse frequency, and frequency of ultrasonic vibration applied to electrode. Micro holes were machined with Pt electrode made by focused-ion-beam chemical vapor deposition (FIB-CVD) and Cu electrode made by wire-electrode cutting. The comparison experiments between EDM and ECM (electrochemical machining) indicated that the processing of ECM has serious stray current corrosion and poor machining precision. Moreover, the workpiece vibration was firstly proposed to be utilized in the micro-electrical discharge machining. It can be concluded that maximum machine could be obtained under the amplitude ratio of 76%, which was an appropriate parameter.

WEDM oriented micro gear design and mesh simulation

For the design of gears manufactured with wire electrical discharge machining （WEDM） technology, determination of the primary gear parameters is discussed considering the characteristics of the machining method. Some constraint conditions on gear parameters are abnegated, which makes micro gear design more flexible. Based on gear mesh theory, the algorithm of generating gear tooth profiles is studied, which includes involute and non-involute curve segments. The phenomena of tooth profile interferences during gear mesh are analyzed, and a gear mesh simulation algorithm is designed. Based on ACIS, the WEDM oriented software for the design and mesh simulation of micro gears is developed, by which the modeling, mesh simulation and interference check can be implemented. An experiment is carried out to design and manufacture a pair of micro involute gears, and the proposed method is proved feasible.

铜-石墨复合电极材料制备及抗电蚀性能分析

通过复合电铸技术,在耐电蚀性强的铜主体中引入抗电蚀性能优异的石墨微粉,制备了铜-石墨复合电极材料,探讨了复合电沉积条件与石墨含量的关系,用扫描电子显微镜分析了复合铸层的形貌特点,测定了表面粗糙度和显微硬度,试验研究了复合电极材料的抗电蚀能力。结果表明,在一定工艺条件下制备的铜-石墨复合电极材料表现出较优异的抗电蚀性能。

微细电火花加工系统及其工艺技术

开发了一套微细电火花加工系统,该系统不仅能加工微细轴、微细孔,还能实现微三维结构的微细电火花加工。研究了针对该系统的微细电火花加工工艺技术,研究了放电电压、放电电容等工艺参数,主轴转速,以及工作液介质对微细电火花加工效率、相对电极损耗率的影响规律。采用旋转削边电极技术大大提高了进行大深径比微细孔加工时的加工效率。进行了大量的加工实验,加工出了最小直径为6μm的微细轴以及最小直径为10μm的微细孔;通过对电极损耗的在线补偿策略研究,实现了微三维结构的加工,加工出了外径为4mm、具有24个叶片的微型涡轮盘及具有微三维结构的微细梁,充分证实了该系统的广泛适用性。

微细电火花加工机床关键技术

研制开发两台高精度、高性能,具有自主知识产权的微细电火花加工机床,并对微细电火花加工机床的几个特有关键技术进行了深入研究。基于压电陶瓷的宏微伺服进给系统能实现分辨率为3.42nm的微进给,并且能实现振动式进给,以改善微细电火花加工的间隙状态,提高微细电火花的加工效率和加工质量。结合块电极反拷与线电极反拷的微细工具电极反拷系统,可高效高精度地现场制作微细电极,电极直径最小可达4μm。基于多传感器信息融合技术的放电间隙状态监测技术,能很好地解决微细电火花加工间隙状态的监测与识别问题。RC脉冲电源不存在维持电压现象,这一最新发现为降低单脉冲放电能量难题提供一个新的解决途径,使得基于RC方法开发的超微能脉冲电源的单脉冲放电能量最小降至皮焦级,为微细电火花加工奠定了良好的基础。最后的微细电火花加工试验表明,所开发的微细电火花加工机床性能稳定,且加工质量良好,尤其适合加工孔径为50～200μm的微细孔。

微细电火花加工脉冲电源及其脉冲控制技术

为了提高微细电火花加工效率,通过分析微细电火花加工特点,改进了主放电回路,设计了一种基于现场可编程门阵列(FPGA)的微细电火花加工脉冲电源.该电源集成了放电状态检测功能,能够判断每一个脉冲的放电状态,并及时切断有害脉冲.设计了应用于微细电火花加工的清扫脉冲回路,可在极间加载高能量窄脉宽的清扫脉冲,以清除积聚在极间的加工屑.利用该电源在桌面式微细电火花加工机床上进行了微细深孔加工实验和微细孔极限加工实验,取得了较好的加工效果.

空气中微细电火花沉积的工艺规律研究

论述了一种新的电火花加工方法,它通过合理选择工艺条件在空气中将金属材料放电沉积在工件上。对电火花沉积加工的基本原理进行了分析,预测了实现条件,使用通用的电火花成形加工机床和常见的电极材料黄铜,在空气介质中,通过大量实验对微细电火花沉积进行了系统研究,得出各工艺参数的影响规律。在高速钢工件表面沉积出直径为0.19mm、高度为7.35mm的微小圆柱体。对沉积材料的测试表明,沉积材料致密,与基体结合紧密,成分取决于工具电极材料,同时基体硬度得到提高。

微细电火花加工装置及其控制技术

设计开发出了具有四轴三联动的微细电火花加工装置.针对该装置,对微细电极的制作控制技术、成型加工的伺服控制和微三维结构加工过程中电极损耗的补偿控制等进行了深入研究.在充分分析伺服机构性能的基础上,提出针对不同加工目的采用不同的伺服控制策略,不仅解决了伺服机构在微位移进给过程中存在的爬行问题,同时也较好地解决了电极制作过程中存在的伺服振荡问题;对电极损耗的补偿控制技术进行了深入的研究,进而提出了电极损耗的在线补偿策略,该补偿策略作为微细电火花加工控制系统的一个组成部分,使电极损耗的补偿与微细铣削加工的CAD/CAM系统分开,大大提高了微细电火花进行三维微结构加工的实用性.实验加工出最小直径为6μm的微细轴以及最小直径为10μm微细孔,并实现了外径为4 mm、具有24个叶片的微型涡轮盘以及直径为150μm微小半球的加工.

IN718镍基高温合金电火花加工表面完整性初步研究

镍基合金具有优良的性能而获得广泛的应用,针对切削加工中存在的问题,采用与材料的力学性能无关的电火花进行加工,通过对其电火花加工实验,初步研究了峰值电流和脉冲宽度加工参数对加工表面完整性的影响规律。结果表明,表面粗糙度随峰值电流和脉冲宽度的增大而增大,与电极丝的运动方向无关。加工表面由微观组织规则的凹坑、熔滴和微小孔组成,加工表面无微观裂纹存在。显微硬度变化不大,无加工硬化现象。随脉冲能量减小,重铸现象减轻,加工表面完整性越好。

微细电火花加工的底面轮廓模型及定长补偿方法

针对三维金属微细结构的微细电火花加工,应用等损耗理论,采用分层加工方法建立了单道加工时底面形状随电极损耗变化的轮廓模型.在此基础上,提出定长补偿的方法,给出了补偿长度计算公式,并对底面轮廓模型以及定长补偿方法进行仿真分析.实验测定了微细条件下钨打钢的相对体积损耗比,进行了无补偿和定长补偿的实验加工.仿真及实验结果表明:无补偿时底面轮廓呈指数曲线,与实验结果相吻合;定长补偿方法加工的底面轮廓为恒定的波动曲线;随着补偿精度增加,底面轮廓的波动范围增大;在符合端面损耗理论的范围内,分层厚度越大,加工的相对误差越小.所提出的定长补偿方法提高了加工尺寸精度和形状精度.

电蚀产物对微细电火花电极形状损耗影响的实验研究

针对微细电火花加工技术特点,开展电极形状损耗形成机理的研究,设计了开放状态微细电火花加工实验方法,实现电蚀产物浓度的改变;通过实验对比不同加工状态下微细电火花加工电极形状损耗变化、工件表面微观形貌和重熔层情况,系统研究不同电蚀产物浓度作用下电极形状损耗的影响规律;分析微细电极形状损耗的影响机制,总结内凹坑形状变化与电蚀产物的内在关系。研究成果为实现微细电极的形状控制提供了一定的实验及理论依据,达到了提升微细电火花加工质量和加工稳定性的目标。

基于Linux的微细电火花加工数控系统的研究

为了满足微细电火花加工高精度、高灵敏度和强实时性的运动控制要求,提出了以可编程多轴控制器为下位机、PC和Linux为上位机的体系结构,进行了六轴联动微细电火花加工数控系统的软硬件设计。为了解决微细电极在线制造和补偿等技术难题,该数控系统集成了机器视觉功能,基于V4L2应用程序接口开发了图像采集程序,基于OpenCV开发了图像处理程序,通过Canny边缘检测算法,提取了微细电极的边缘轮廓,可以在线观察和测量微细电极。此外,基于Lex和YACC设计并实现了数控代码解释器。