High Aspect Ratio and Complex Shaped Blind Micro Holes by Micro EDM

It is difficult to drill high aspect ratio through holes and complex shaped blind holes using micro EDM. The debris concentration in the narrow discharge gap causes abnormal discharges leading to excessive electrode wear and lower machining precision. In micro EDM, the electrode size is too small for internal flushing. This paper presents a new approach for effective self-flushing using planetary movement. Through micro holes with an aspect ratio of 18 have been drilled. This approach is also demonstrated by drilling blind noncircular micro holes with sharp corners and edges. The process performance characteristics are analyzed under different machining conditions.