Studies on Electro Discharge Machining

EDM is a thermal process that involves melting and vaporization of the work-piece. During EDM, both are submerged in the electrically resistant dielectric oil. The EDM process uses electrical discharges to remove material from the workpiece, with each spark producing a temperature of between 10,000-20,000°C. Consequently, the workpiece is subjected to a heat affected zone. Tungsten carbide is a chemical compound containing tungsten and carbon. Its extreme hardness makes it difficult to machine. In this book the main effect, interaction between factors on Material removal rate [MRR] and Electrode Wear Rate [EWR] are discussed. The work is carried out on two fronts, [a] MRR and [b] EWR, Transformer oil and Kerosene oils are used as dielectric media. The effect of current, electrode diameter and on-time are studied. DOE technique is used for performing the experimentation. It is experimentally found that the Kerosene is more useful as MRR is high and EWR is low. On-time has the mostsignificant effect on the responses MRR and EWR. Current is second parameter having significant effect. Electrode diameter has less significant effect.