Effect of direct current and pulse plating on the EDM performance of copper-zirconium diboride composites

Direct current and pulse plating of copper-zirconium diboride （ZrB2） composites were studied and the effects of current density （DC） and pulse duty cycle （PC） on the EDM performance of the composites were investigated. With increasing current density, the effect of grain refinement on the electro-discharge machining （EDM） performance of the composites compensates that of the decrease of ZrB2 content in the composites, which improves the spark-resistance of the material. Under the same average current density and other experiment conditions, a lower duty cycle yields better EDM performance probably because more ZrB2 particles are incorporated in the composites in this condition. However, at a still lower duty cycle （10%）, the particle agglomeration and the microcracks of the copper matrix occur, which considerably deteriorate the spark-resistance of the composites.

Research of EDM Spark Locations in Die-sinking

Detection of 2-dimention spark locations by electromagnetic detection method in electrical discharge machining (EDM) is studied. The method, which is applied and investigated, is based on the fact that the release of energy from a spark is transformed into electromagnetic wave around the workpiece. A new sensor system composed of high precision linear Hall components and cubic ferrite is used to detect the intensity of magnetic field. Relation equation between the output of the sensor system and 2-dimention spark locations experiment under a spiculate electrode is introduced, and its diagram of curve is drawn. As a result, the information that can be achieved by detecting spark’s location gives new possibilities for an extended analysis of the EDM-process.

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.

Development of Powder Metallurgy （PM） Compacted Cu-TaC Electrodes for EDM

The main aim of this paper is to investigate the properties of Cu-TaC electrodes produced by Powder Metallurgy （PM） method. The design of Experiment （DOE） method was used to plan the investigation. Two different compositions of the powders （Cu-TaC with 30 and 55 % wt TaC） were used. The major properties which determine suitability of electrodes for Electro Discharge Machining （EDM） are electrical conductivity, therrnal conductivity and to some extent density. These properties were measured for the green compacted electrodes, analyzed and compared with their sintered counterparts. This is the initial stage to determine the suitability or otherwise of the compacted electrodes. The results showed that the compacted electrodes in green form can be suitable for EDM, since the electrical conductivities are very high （94.96-189.92Ω^-1m^-1）. The thermal conductivity is good （29.70-33.20W/m K）. The density ranges between 6.13 and 9.80 g/cm3. The sintered electrodes were found to be unsuitable at the specified conditions, because they became non-conductive electrically after sintering. Current efforts are geared towards improving these properties for the sintered ones and also determining their optimum levels.

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.

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 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.

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.

Electrical discharge machining of 6061 aluminium alloy

The wire electrical discharge machining（EDM） of 6061 aluminium alloy in terms of material removal rate,kerf/slit width,surface finish and wear of electrode wire for different pulse on time and wire tension was studied.Eight experiments were carried out in a wire EDM machine by varying pulse on time and wire tension.It is found that the material removal rate increases with the increase of pulse on time though the wire tension does not affect the material removal rate.It seems that the higher wire tension facilitates steady machining process,which generates low wear in wire electrode and better surface finish.The surface roughness does not change notably with the variation of pulse on time.The appearance of the machined surfaces is very similar under all the machining conditions.The machined surface contains solidified molten material,splash of materials and blisters.The increase of the pulse on time increases the wear of wire electrode due to the increase of heat input.The wear of wire electrode generates tapered slot which has higher kerf width at top side than that at bottom side.The higher electrode wear introduces higher taper.

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.

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.

A Study on Modelling Surface Finish in Electrical Discharge Machining Tablet Shape Punches Using Response Surface Methodology

This paper introduces a study on modelling surface finish in EDM （Electrical Discharge Machining） of tablet shape punches when using copper as electrode material. In this study, 27 experiments were performed based on BBD （Box-Behnken Design） and the work-piece material was 9CrSi steel. The input process parameters were the current, the pulse on time, the pulse off time and the voltage. The effects of the input parameters on the surface finish were evaluated by analysing variance. Besides, from the results of the experiments, a regression equation for determining the surface roughness is introduced. Also, the optimum input parameter values were found in order to get the minimum surface roughness.

Stage identification and process optimization for fast drilling EDM of film cooling holes using KBSI method

Fast drilling electrical discharge machining(EDM)is widely used in the manufacture of film cooling holes of turbine blades.However,due to the various hole orientations and severe electrode wear,it is relatively intricate to accurately and timely identify the critical moments such as breakout,hole completion in the drilling process,and adjust the machining strategy properly.Existing breakout detection and hole completion determination methods are not suitable for the high-efficiency and fully automatic production of film cooling holes,for they almost all depend on preset thresholds or training data and become less appropriate when machining condition changes.As the breakout and hole completion detection problems can be abstracted to an online stage identification problem,in this paper,a kurtosis-based stage identification(KBSI)method,which uses a novel normalized kurtosis to denote the recent changing trends of gap voltage signals,is developed for online stage identification.The identification accuracy and generalization ability of the KBSI method have been verified in various machining conditions.To improve the overall machining efficiency,the influence of servo control parameters on machining efficiency of each machining stage was analyzed experimentally,and a new stage-wise adaptive control strategy was then proposed to dynamically adjust the servo control parameters according to the online identification results.The performance of the new strategy is evaluated by drilling film cooling holes at different hole orientations.Experimental results show that with the new control strategy,machining efficiency and the machining quality can be significantly improved.

Trajectory optimisation in electrical discharge machining of three-dimensional curved and twisted channels

Numerical control electrical discharge machining(NC EDM) is one of the most widely used machining technologies for manufacturing a closed blisk flow path, particularly for three-dimensional(3D) curved and twisted flow channels. In this process, tool electrode design and machining trajectory planning are the key factors affecting machining accessibility and efficiency. Herein, to reduce the difficulty in designing the electrode and its motion path in the closed curved and twisted channels, a heuristic search hybrid optimisation strategy based on channel grids is adopted to realise the initial electrode trajectory design search and optimised size reduction. By transferring the trajectory optimisation constraints from the complex free-form surface to numbered grids, the search is found to be more orderly and accurate. The two trajectory indicators, namely argument angle and minimum distance, are analysed separately for the optimised results of the adaptive learning particle swarm optimisation algorithm, demonstrating that they can meet the actual processing requirements.Experimental results of NC EDM indicate that the motion path generated by this design method can meet the machining requirements of 3D curved and twisted flow channels.

Electrode Wear Prediction in Milling Electrical Discharge Machining Based on Radial Basis Function Neural Network

Milling electrical discharge machining(EDM) enables the machining of complex cavities using cylindrical or tubular electrodes.To ensure acceptable machining accuracy the process requires some methods of compensating for electrode wear.Due to the complexity and random nature of the process,existing methods of compensating for such wear usually involve off-line prediction.This paper discusses an innovative model of electrode wear prediction for milling EDM based upon a radial basis function(RBF) network.Data gained from an orthogonal experiment were used to provide training samples for the RBF network.The model established was used to forecast the electrode wear,making it possible to calculate the real-time tool wear in the milling EDM process and,to lay the foundations for dynamic compensation of the electrode wear on-line.This paper demonstrates that by using this model prediction errors can be controlled within 8%.

Simulation of Adaptive Control Strategy for Electrical Discharge Machining Process

Electrode down-time is an important factor affecting the efficiency and stability of electrical discharge machining(EDM) process. In the research, a way of simulating the regulation of the electrode down-time in an EDM adaptive control system has been studied. All the simulations are performed on Matlab. The simulation results demonstrate that this adaptive controller by regulating electrode down-time can direct the gap state to follow the specified reference gap state with or without disturbances. Finally, the adaptive control scheme is also validated by experiments. The significance of the simulation of an EDM adaptive control system lies on the fact that it provides a convenient way to guide the actual production and provides a new study method for the research of EDM control strategy with no regard of experimental conditions.