Effects of machining characteristics on electrical discharge machining using different types of electrode materials

Abstract

is a non-traditional machining process that involved a transient spark discharges through the fluid due to the potential difference between the electrode and the work piece. Improper choose of electrode material in Electrical Discharge Machining may result highly poor machining performance and electrode wear that would increase the cost of production. The experiment will be conducted using 3 different types of electrode materials that are copper, aluminium and brass. For each electrode, the amount of material removal rate (MRR) and electrode wear ratio (EWR) will be investigated using the weighing machine. It is found that from the experiment copper is the best selected electrode material for MRR and EWR machining characteristic criteria followed by aluminium and brass. The best selection of electrode material for EDM machining provides faster rate for production, promotes longer tool life and machining accuracy of tool steel XW42 workpiece.