Title: Electrodischarge drilling of microholes in aluminium matrix composites

Authors: Dionizy Bialo, Jan Peronczyk

Addresses: Institute of Precision and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechatronics, Warsaw University of Technology, ul. Sw. A. Boboli 8, 02-525 Warsaw, Poland. ' Institute of Mechanical Technology, Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Al. Niepodleglosci 222, 02-663 Warsaw, Poland

Abstract: This paper contains a description of composites with Al-20Si-3Cu-1Mg matrix and particle reinforcing phase Al₂O₃ of 2.5-20% volume fraction. During EDM, holes of 0.5 mm diameter were drilled in plates cut from composite bars. Average drilling speed V_d, accuracy of the holes drilled, surface roughness R_a and electrode wear were determined. It was found, that the energy of a single discharge is the basic parameter influencing the EDM process. The higher the energy of a single discharge, the higher the productivity and the higher the surface roughness of the holes. The effect of volume fraction of the reinforcing phase in the composite on the drilling speed was also noted. When the volume fraction of this phase increases, the drilling speed is reduced.

Keywords: electro-discharge drilling; electrical discharge drilling; microholes; machining productivity; drilling speed; hole accuracy; hole oversize; electroerosion mechanism; discharge energy; electrode wear; aluminium matrix composites; metal matrix composites; MMCs; reinforcing particles; EDM; electro-discharge machining; electrical discharge machining; surface roughness.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMM.2008.020963

International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials, 2008 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.272 - 282

Published online: 29 Oct 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article