The influence of generator actuation mode and process parameters on the performance of finish EDM of a tool steel

The AISI P20 steel is applied by the tooling industry as material for injection molding. It is known that the EDM process parameters technology installed at the majority of CNC EDM machines do not cover some of the necessities of the tooling industry concerning process parameters for a wide range of workpiece materials. Considering this situation, the customers are required to develop their own process parameters. With respect to the above discussion an experimental investigation on the EDM of the AISI P20 tool steel under finish machining has been carried out. The material removal rate Vw, volumetric relative wear ϑ and workpiece surface texture Ra, which are representative of EDM performance aspects, were analyzed against the variation of some of the most important EDM electrical variables using copper tool electrodes. The results are discussed and then some appropriate process parameters for EDM of AISI P20 are suggested.