Machining Characteristics and Optimisation of Process Parameters in Micro-EDM of SiCp–Al Composites

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.