Title: Machining characteristics and optimisation of process parameters in micro-EDM of SiC_p–Al composites

Authors: Anand Dev, K.M. Patel, Pulak M. Pandey, S. Aravindan

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India

Abstract: The effects of machining parameters in micro Electrical Discharge Machining (micro-EDM) with a rotary tubular electrode on the SiCp-Al composites were investigated. In this work, experiments were planned by using Taguchi|s L₉ orthogonal array. Pulse-on duration, pulse-off duration, sparking gap voltage and servo speed were considered as typical process parameters. The capabilities of micro hole EDM process were measured by considering Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Electrode Wear Rate (EWR) as responses. Hole quality was assessed by considering taper angle as response. Effect of weight % and size of SiC particles was also investigated. [Received 2 October 2008; Revised 24 May 2009; Accepted 5 June 2009]

Keywords: micro-EDM; aluminium metal matrix composites; pulse-on duration; pulse-off duration; sparking gap voltage; servo speed; electro-discharge machining; electrical discharge machining; Taguchi methods; machining parameters; rotary tubular electrodes; orthogonal array; micro holes; silicon carbide particles; material removal rate; MRR; electrode wear rate; EWR.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2009.028541

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2009 Vol.4 No.4, pp.458 - 480

Published online: 18 Sep 2009 *

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