Micro-EDM process investigation and comparison performance of Al3O2 and ZrO2 based ceramic composites

This paper investigates the micro-EDM behaviour of an Al3O2 and ZrO2 based electrically conductive ceramic composites. The influence of the generator parameters on material removal rate, relative tool wear, surface quality and material removal mechanism is investigated towards the definition of suitable micro-EDM technologies. The study is based on a design of experiments, supported by a fundamental investigation of the generator parameters. Similar variations trends to the machining of steel are observed within the investigated process window, for exception of the tool wear performance. The developed EDM technologies are finally validated through the fabrication of industrial demonstrators.