A special CAD/CAM software for electro-discharge machining of shrouded turbine blisks

In this paper, a special-purpose CAD/CAM software package, BliskCad/Cam, based on a commercial CAD/CAM software Unigraphics is developed to reduce difficulties in CNC-EDM of the shrouded turbine blisks. The software package consists of five modules such as electrode design, path searching, and machining simulation module. Functions of BliskCad/Cam include parametrical reconstruction of 3-D model of the blisk, intelligent design of complex shaped electrode, automatic generation of NC codes, search of interference-free tool path for multi-axis NC-EDM and machining simulation, etc. Experimental verification is conducted by using BliskCad/Cam and the results show that it satisfies the requirements, and can realize precision machining and reduce accessorial time remarkably.

Application Research on Powder Mixed EDM in Rough Machining

Powder Mixed Electric Discharge Machining (PMEDM) has different mechanism from conventional EDM, which can improve the surface roughness and surface quality distinctly and to obtain nearly mirror surface effects. It is a useful finish machining method and is researched and applied by many countries. However there are little research on rough machining of PMEDM. Experiments show that PMEDM machining makes discharge breakdown easier, enlarges the discharge gaps and widens discharge passage, and at last forms even distributed and "large and shadow" shaped etched cavities. Because of much loss of discharge energy in the discharge gaps and reduction of ejecting force on the melted material, the machining efficiency gets lower and the surface roughness gets small in PMEDM machining in comparison with conventional EDM machining. This paper performs experimental research on the machining efficiency and surface roughness of PMEDM in rough machining. The machining efficiency of PMEDM can be highly increased by selecting proper discharge parameters (increasing peak current, reducing pulse width) with approximate surface roughness in comparison with conventional EDM machining. Although PMEDM can improve machining efficiency in rough efficiency, but a series of problems like electrode wear, efficiently separation of machined scraps from the powder mixed working fluid, should be solved before PMEDM machining is really applied in rough machining. Experiments result shows that powder mixed EDM machining can obviously improve machining efficiency at the same surface roughness by selecting proper discharging parameters, and can provide reference accordingly for the application of PMEDM machining technology in rough machining.

Comparative experimental study of machining characteristics of air-mixed EDM and conventional EDM

A new method of electrical discharge machining (EDM) in air-mixed medium—air-mixed EDM was presented, and comparative experiments were carried out to compare the machining characteristics of air-mixed EDM with conventional EDM. The experimental results showed that better machining performances were obtained with tool electrode as the cathode and workpiece as the anode. It was found that the material removal rate (MRR) was higher, the tool electrode relative wear ratio (TWR) was lower and the surface roughness (SR) quality was better in the case of air-mixed EDM than that of conventional EDM, and the reasons bringing out the results were analyzed.

纳米颗粒活性剂混粉EDM特性研究

为了进一步提高EDM效率和表面质量,提出了纳米颗粒活性剂混粉EDM方法。基于Marangoni效应分析了活性剂对EDM材料去除的增强机制,并开展实验研究了纳米活性剂对钛合金EDM特性的影响。结果表明:当开路电压为100 V时,相对于混有Al_(2)O_(3)和ZrO_(2)纳米颗粒的工作液,在混有TiO_(2)纳米颗粒工作液中进行EDM可得到最高的材料去除率。采用混有纳米颗粒表面活性剂的工作液进行EDM可得到更低的工具损耗率、更高的微孔锥形度以及更低的表面粗糙度。通过在去离子水工作液中混入TiO_(2)纳米颗粒,可将EDM的表面粗糙度Ra降低50%。因此,在EDM工作液中加入活性剂纳米颗粒有助于提高加工性能。

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.

Surface Modification Process by Electrical Discharge Machining with Ti Powder Green Compact Electrode

This paper describes a new method of surface modification by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). By using ordinary EDM machine tool and kerosene fluid, a hard ceramic layer can be created on the workpiece surface with Ti or other compressed powder electrode in a certain condition. This new revolutionary method is called Electrical Discharge Coating (EDC). The process of EDC begins with electrode wear during EDM,then a kind of hard carbide is created through the thermal and chemical reaction between the worn electrode material and the carbon particle decomposed from kerosene fluid under high temperature. The carbide is piled up on a workpiece quickly and becomes a hard layer of ceramic about 20 μm in several minutes. This paper studies the principle and process of EDC systemically by using Ti powder green compact electrode. In order to obtain a layer of compact ceramic film, it is very important to select proper electric pulse parameters, such as pulse width, pulse interval, peak current. Meantime, the electrode materials and its forming mode will effect the machining surface quality greatly. This paper presents a series of experiment results to study the EDC process by adopt different technology parameters. Experiments and analyses show that a compact TiC ceramic layer can be created on the surface of metal workpiece. The hardness of ceramic layer is more 3 times higher than the base body, and the hardness changes gradiently from surface to base body. The method will have a great future because many materials can be easily added to the electrode and then be coated on the workpiece surface. Gearing the parameters ceramic can be created with different thickness. The switch between deposition and removal process is carried out easily by changing the polarity, thus the gear to the thickness and shape of the composite ceramic layer is carried out easily. This kind of composite ceramic layer will be used to deal with the surface of the cutting tools or molds possibly, in order to lengthen their life. It also can be found wide application in the fields of surface repairing and strengthening of the ship or aircraft.

Machining performance on hybrid process of abrasive jet machining and electrical discharge machining

To develop a hybrid process of abrasive jet machining (AJM) and electrical discharge machining (EDM),the effects of the hybrid process parameters on machining performance were comprehensively investigated to confirm the benefits of this hybrid process.The appropriate abrasives delivered by high speed gas media were incorporated with an EDM in gas system to construct the hybrid process of AJM and EDM,and then the high speed abrasives could impinge on the machined surface to remove the recast layer caused by EDM process to increase the efficiency of material removal and reduce the surface roughness.In this study,the benefits of the hybrid process were determined as the machining performance of hybrid process was compared with that of the EDM in gas system.The main process parameters were varied to explore their effects on material removal rate,surface roughness and surface integrities.The experimental results show that the hybrid process of AJM and EDM can enhance the machining efficiency and improve the surface quality.Consequently,the developed hybrid process can fit the requirements of modern manufacturing applications.

Parameter optimization model in electrical discharge machining process

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) process, at present is still an experience process, wherein selected parameters are often far from the optimum, and at the same time selecting optimization parameters is costly and time consuming. In this paper, artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) are used together to establish the parameter optimization model. An ANN model which adapts Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm has been set up to represent the relationship between material removal rate (MRR) and input parameters, and GA is used to optimize parameters, so that optimization results are obtained. The model is shown to be effective, and MRR is improved using optimized machining parameters.

Surface performance of workpieces processed by electrical discharge machining in gas

The surface performance of workpieces processed by electrical discharge machining in gas(dry EDM)was studied in this paper.Firstly,the composition,micro hardness and recast layer of electrical discharge machined(EDMed)surface of 45 carbon steels in air were investigated through different test analysis methods.The results show that the workpiece surface EDMed in air contains a certain quantity of oxide,and oxidation occurs on the workpiece surface.Compared with the surface of workpieces processed in kerosene,fewer cracks exist on the dry EDMed workpiece surface,and the surface recast layer is thinner than that obtained by conventional EDM.The micro hardness of workpieces machined by dry EDM method is lower than that machined in kerosene,and higher than that of the matrix.In addition,experiments were conducted on the surface wear resistance of workpieces processed in air and kerosene using copper electrode and titanium alloy electrode.The results indicate that the surface wear resistance of workpieces processed in air can be improved,and it is related with tool material and dielectric.

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.

Modelling effect of magnetic field on material removal in dry electrical discharge machining

One of the reasons for increased material removal rate in magnetic field assisted dry electrical discharge machining （EDM） is confinement of plasma due to Lorentz forces. This paper presents a mathematical model to evaluate the effect of external magnetic field on crater depth and diameter in single- and multiple-discharge EDM process. The model incorporates three main effects of the magnetic field, which include plasma confinement, mean free path reduction and pulsating magnetic field effects. Upon the application of an external magnetic field, Lorentz forces that are developed across the plasma column confine the plasma column. Also, the magnetic field reduces the mean free path of electrons due to an increase in the plasma pressure and cycloidal path taken by the electrons between the electrodes. As the mean free path of electrons reduces, more ionization occurs in plasma column and eventually an increase in the current density at the inter-electrode gap occurs. The model results for crater depth and its diameter in single discharge dry EDM process show an error of 9%-10% over the respective experimental values.

Integrated CAD/CAPP/CAM system for electric discharge machining

An integrated CAD/CAPP/CAM system modeling for Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) is constructed on the basis of an integrated engineering database. EDM feature objects are developed using the object oriented database provided by AutoCAD R14, and EDM feature modeling is realized in AutoCAD environments.

D7150 EDM Shaping Machine

This machine toolis one of the new products developed and produced by the Shanghai No.8 Machine Tool Plant on the basis of advanced technologies introduced from at home and abroad. It has a wide machining travel and large volume of oil box, and adopts the stepping motor main spindle servo-controlled mechanism, which has the advantages of sensitive control, quick response speed, stable working state, simple structure,

D7140C EDM Shaping Machine

The machine,developed and producedby the Suzhou ElectromachiningMachine Tool Research Institute,isused in processing the shaped cavity of dies.

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.

超声振动辅助电火花加工表面成形机理研究

以TC4钛合金作为工件材料,通过建立高斯热源在工件表面的分布模型,描述了单脉冲电火花加工凹坑的成形机理。为了验证模型的准确性,进行了仿真和实验验证。结果表明:通过分析仿真得到的温度场云图和实验测得的数据发现,高斯热源分布模型与两者一致。在引入超声振动后,表面粗糙度降低35%~46%,材料表面凹坑明显减少,表面形貌发生显著变化。随振幅增大,高斯热源分布曲线的最大值减小,温度场中心最高温度降低,深度变浅的表面凹坑数量增加,单个凹坑的面积增加,表面粗糙度变好。

基于锥形回转体多孔毛坯的异型面结构加工工艺研究

为研究在锥形回转体多孔毛坯基础上加工出异型面结构,论文首先对产品进行了工艺分析,通过基础试验,对比了铣削加工、电火花加工、电解加工后试片的表面形貌以及渗透性。在此基础上,制定了产品的加工工艺,通过流量试验,验证了工艺方法的有效性,为该类产品的加工提供了有益的参考。

2023年我国电加工机床行业经营情况分析

根据我国电加工机床行业重点企业的统计数据,介绍了2023年电加工机床行业的总体经营情况和出口情况;通过近四年的分季度销售情况对比,分析了2023年的市场变化与特点;通过各类电加工机床的销售量和销售额占比解析了市场需求,并对行业发展提出了期望。

弱电解质溶液EDM/ECM复合加工机理研究

弱电解质溶液中利用电沉积补偿电极损耗的电火花/电化学复合加工技术可以大幅降低电极损耗,对提高微细电火花加工效率具有重要意义。由于该工艺方法是EDM/ECM复合加工领域一个新的研究方向,研究成果很少。为加深对利用电沉积补偿电极损耗的电火花/电化学复合加工技术的认识,基于实验结果,对弱电解质溶液中的电火花/电化学复合加工的材料去除机理、放电通道形成机理及电极损耗机理进行了初步探索,得到了以下结果:电火花放电蚀除和电化学溶解共同将工件材料去除;大量气泡存在于电极间隙使复合加工放电通道的形成异于电火花放电加工;电沉积作用和电火花放电蚀除共同对工具电极损耗产生影响。