Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) of Titanium Alloys: A Review

Abstract

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is one of the earliest non-traditional machining processes. This process is based on thermoelectric energy between the workpiece and an electrode. Electrical discharge machining is basically a non-conventional material removal process. This process is widely used to produce dies, punches and moulds, finishing parts for aerospace and automotive industry, and surgical components. Irrespective of their hardness, shape and toughness, this process can be successfully employed to machine electrically conductive parts. Titanium alloys are of an increasing importance in engineering applications because of their excellent combination of high strength, low density and corrosion resistance. Titanium alloy has wide applications in field of aerospace, automotive, nuclear, chemical, marine and biomedical industries. This paper presents a review on EDM for titanium alloy and future applications. Index Terms-Electrical Discharge Machining, Titanium alloy, Material Removal Rate(MRR),Surface Roughness(SR),Tool Wear Rate(TWR).