Optimization of Process Parameters in Die Sinking EDM - A REVIEW
Optimization of Process Parameters in Die Sinking EDM - A REVIEW
Optimization of Process Parameters in Die Sinking EDM - A REVIEW
Abstract
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is one of the earliest non-traditional machining processes. EDM is a thermal process in
which rapid and continuous spark is discharged between electrically conductive work piece and electrode in dielectric medium. In
the EDM process both the work piece material and the electrode material must be conductors of electricity. This process becomes
cost-effective method of machining extremely tough and brittle materials. It is widely used for making moulds, dies and sections
of complex geometry and forming deep complex shaped holes, by arc erosion in all kinds of electro-conductive materials. The
input variable parameters are current, pulse on time and duty cycle. The effect of the variable parameters mentioned above upon
machining characteristics such as Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Wear Rate. Die sinking electrical discharge machining
(EDM) is one of the most widely used techniques for the fabrication of die and mold cavities which are finally used for mass
production of metals and polymer products by replication such as die casting, injection molding, etc. In any replication process, it
is expected that the quality mold will faithfully duplicate its shape and surface texture. Inaccurate duplications cause problems in
assemblies, operations as well as lower the aesthetic view. In die sinking EDM the electrode produces exactly its opposite shape
on the work material.
Keywords: Optimization, Process Parameters, EDM, MRR, TWR
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I.
INTRODUCTION
Electric discharge machining is a non-conventional machining process and has found its wide application in making moulds, dies,
and in aerospace products and in surgical equipment [9]. As shown in fig.1 potential difference is applied between the tool and
work piece. Both the tool and the work material are to be conductors of electricity. The tool and the work material are immersed
in a dielectric medium. A gap is maintained between the tool and the work piece [2,3]. Depending upon the applied potential
difference and the gap between the tool and work piece, an electric field would be established. If the work fu8nction or the bonding
energy of the electrons is less, electrons would be emitted from the tool (assuming it to be connected to the negative terminal).
Such emission of electrons are called or termed as cold emission [5]. The cold emitted electrons are then accelerated towards the
job through the dielectric medium. As they gain velocity and energy, and start moving towards the job, there would be collisions
between the electrons and dielectric molecules. Such collision may result in ionization of the dielectric molecule depending upon
the work function or ionization energy of the dielectric molecule and the energy of the electron. This cyclic process would increase
the concentration of electrons and ions in the dielectric medium between the tool and the job at the spark gap [30]. The
concentration would be so high that the matter existing in that channel could be characterized as plasma. The high speed electrons
then impinge on the job and ions on the tool. The kinetic energy of the electrons and ions on impact with the surface of the job and
tool respectively would be converted into thermal energy or heat flux. Such intense localized heat flux leads to extreme
instantaneous confined rise in temperature which would be in excess of 10,000 C such localized extreme rise in temperature leads
to material removal. Material removal occurs due to instant vaporization of the material as well as due to melting [28]. Thus, it is
essential to understand the influence of various factors on EDM process. Analytical and statistical methods are used to select best
combination of process parameters for an optimum machining performance. Different author use different combination of process
parameters. They analyze the experimental data by plotting Interaction graphs, Residual plots for accuracy and Response curves.
Some other methods used by different author for analysis of Taguchis DOE data related to Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM).
Most of the author used L27 Orthogonal Array. Generally the effect of Pulse ON time, Pulse OFF time, Spark gap set Voltage,
Peak current, Flushing Pressure, Work piece height, wire tension and wire feed on the material removal rate, surface roughness,
kerf and gap current is investigated
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Fig. 1: Schematic diagram of EDM process [25]
Components of EDM:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Any material that is electrically conductive can be cut using the EDM process.
Hardened workpieces can be machined eliminating the deformation caused by heat treatment.
X, Y, and Z axes movements allow for the programming of complex profiles using simple electrode.
Complex dies sections and molds can be produced accurately, faster, and at lower costs. Due to the modern NC control
systems on die sinking machines, even more complicated work pieces can be machined.
5) The high degree of automation and the use of tool and work piece changers allow the machines to work unattended for
overnight or during the weekends
6) Forces are produced by the EDM-process and that, as already mentioned, flushing and hydraulic forces may become large
for some work piece geometry. The large cutting forces of the mechanical materials removal processes, however, remain
absent.
7) Thin fragile sections such as webs or fins can be easily machined without deforming the part.
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Limitation of EDM:
1) Both the material the tool and work piece material has to be electrical conductivity property. Because of this property
creation of electric discharges is possible.
2) Sometimes the wear rate on the electrode or tool is higher which requires use of more than one tool to finish the machining
on the work piece.
3) Sometimes the measurement of thin gap between the tool and work piece is not easily predictable especially in case of
complex geometries which demands the flushing method to be differ from the simple one.
4) Optimum machining settings of the EDM process largely are influenced by on the grouping of the tool and work piece.
EDM manufacturers only fund these settings of the required material combination. Therefore skill personnel required to
develop his own technology.
5) In case of die sinking EDM the cavity formed on the work piece with low metal removal rate. In case of wire-cut EDM
only outline of the required shape on the work piece has to be machined. Therefore EDM is limited to small production
applications.
II. SOME MACHINING PARAMETERS OF EDM
Parameters of Dry EDM mainly classified into two categories: process parameters & performance Parameters.
Process Parameters:
The process parameters in EDM are used to control the performance measures of the machining process.
Spark On-Time (Pulse Time or Ton):
It is the duration of time expressed in micro seconds in whom the peak current is ready to flow in every cycle. This is the time in
which energy removes the metallic particles from the work piece. This energy is really controlled by the peak current and the
length of the on-time.
Spark Off-Time (Pause Time or Toff):
It is the period of time expressed in micro seconds between the two pulses on time. This time permits the melted particle to
coagulate on to the work piece and to be wash away by flushing method of the arc gap.
Arc Gap:
It is gap between the electrode and work piece in which the spark generate for eroding the metal from the work piece. It is very
thin gap in the range of 10 125 m.
Discharge Current (IP):
Current is measured in ampere (A). Discharge current is responsible directly for material removal. It contains energy for melting
and evaporation.
Duty Cycle ():
It is a percentage of the on-time relative to the total cycle time. This parameter is calculated by dividing the on-time by the total
cycle time (on-time pulse off-time).
Voltage (V):
It is a potential that can be measure by volt it is also effect to the materialremoval rate and allowed to per cycle. Voltage is given
by in this experiment is 50 V.
Diameter of Electrode (D):
It is the diameter of electrode or tool material. Diameter of tool is one factor considered on machining. This experiment 10 mm
tool diameter is utilized.
Over Cut:
It is a clearance per side between the electrode and the workpiece after the marching operation.
Performance Parameters:
These parameters measure the various process performances of EDM results.
Material Removal Rate (MRR):
MRR is a performance measure for the erosion rate of the workpiece and is typically used to quantify the speed at which machining
is carried out. It is expressed as the volumetric amount of workpiece material removed per unit time.
Tool Wear Rate (TWR):
TWR is a performance measure for the erosion rate of the tool electrode and is a factor commonly taken into account when
considering the geometrical accuracy of the machined feature. It is expressed as the volumetric amount of tool electrode material
Removed per unit time.
Surface Quality (SQ):
Surface quality is a broad performance measure used to describe the condition of the machined surface. It comprises components
such as surface roughness (SR), extent of heat affected zone (HAZ), recast layer thickness and micro-crack density.
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V. DISCUSSION
The ultimate goal of the EDM process is to achieve an accurate and efficiency machining operation without compromising the
machining performance. This is mainly carried out by understanding the inter-relationship between the various factors affecting
the process and identifying the optimal machining condition from the infinite number of combinations. The adaptive monitoring
and control systems have also been extensively implemented to tame the transient EDM behavior without the risk of wire
breakages. Moreover, several monitoring and control algorithms based on the explicit mathematical models, experts knowledge
or intelligent systems have been reported to reduce the inaccuracy caused by the vibration behavior and static deflection of the
wire. With the continuous trend towards unattended machining operation and automation, the EDM process has to be constantly
improved to maintain as a competitive and economical machining operation in the modern tool-room manufacturing arena. EDM
process due to its ability to efficiently machine parts with difficult-to-machine materials and geometries has its own application
area unmatched by other manufacturing processes.
VI. CONCLUSIONS & FUTURE SCOPE OF EDM
Electrical discharge machining is one of the most Emerging non-conventional manufacturing processes for machining hard to
machine materials and intricate shapes, which are not possible with conventional machining methods. This is more efficient and
economical for machining hard to machine materials. The effect of various parameters and Setting of various parameters at their
optimal levels is very much required for manufacturers. From the literature, the parameters and their effects observed are given as
under:
The effect of discharge current and pulse duration has been taken into consideration in various research works but
variation in pulse interval has not been investigated or it has been taken into consideration in conjunction with pulse
duration by way of duty factor.
Most of the available research works on powder-mixed dielectric have studied the impact of such machining on MRR,
surface roughness and TWR etc. with normal polarity.
The study of the impact of this method on surface modification has been taken up by very few researchers.
Less work has been reported using powders of important alloying elements such as manganese, chromium, molybdenum
and vanadium in the dielectric medium. Likewise, some of the important die steel materials such as OHNS die steel,
molybdenum high speed tool steels and water-hardening die steels (W-series) have not been tried as work materials.
Hollow tube and eccentric drilled holes type electrodes are reported to have a positive impact on MRR due to improved
flushing conditions. Such designs need investigations for more work materials to evaluate their case to case effects.
Copper electrode has frequently been used as electrode material in ultrasonic vibration assisted EDM. Other electrode
materials need to be investigated thoroughly.
There is negligible published work available on comparative analysis of various EDM techniques of MRR improvement
with same/different work materials in EDM.
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