Title of article :
PERFORMANCE OF COPPER ELECTRODE IN ELECTICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING (EDM) OF AISI H13 HARDEN STEEL
Author/Authors :
Jaharah, A.G. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Material Engineering, Malaysia , Liang, C. G. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Material Engineering, Malaysia , Wahid, S.Z. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Material Engineering, Malaysia , Ab Rahman, M. N. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Material Engineering, Malaysia , Che Hassan, C.H. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Material Engineering, Malaysia
Abstract :
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a popular nonconventional machining method for manufacturing geometrically complex or hard materials parts that are extremely difficult to machine by conventional machining. EDM applies the concept of metal removal by using electric spark erosion. This study is carried out to investigate the performance of copper electrode when EDMing AISI H13 tool steel. The parameters considered are the peak current, pulse ON-time, and pulse OFF-time. The effect of peak current settings (1, 2 and 4 A), pulse- ON time (3, 6 and 12 μ s) and pulse-OFF time (1, 2 and 4 μ s) were investigated on the machining performance of the surface roughness (Ra), electrode wear rate (EWR) and material removal rate (MRR). Results showed that the optimum condition for surface roughness was obtained at low peak current, low pulse-ON and pulse- OFF time. Whereas, high MRR was obtained when setting at high peak current, medium pulse-ON time, and low pulse-OFF time. Therefore the peak current was the major factor affecting the MRR and surface finish both for finishing and roughing operations. The ‘no wear’ situation for EWR was obtained at high peak current, high pulse-ON time, and low pulse-OFF time
Keywords :
EDM , copper electrode material , electrode wear rate , material removal rate , surface roughness
Journal title :
International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Journal title :
International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
