Improving EDM Efficiency with Silicon Carbide Powder-Mixed Dielectric Fluid

Abstract

Machining cost for electro-discharge machining (EDM) is high due to longer machining time. EDM efficiency is hypothesize can be increased using powder-mixed dielectric fluid (PMEDM). PMEDM works gradually at low pulse energy and distributes evenly the powder in machining area. PMEDM may lead to improve machined part surface finish, improve material removal rate (MRR) and reduce tool wear rate (TWR). Further investigations on powder concentration and powder particles size for silicon carbide (SiC) PMEDM are proposed. Number of experiments to be conducted is based on Taguchi orthogonal array with three level and two factors. The outcomes are expected capable to increase MRR, improve surface finish, reduce TWR, reduce machining time and reduce machining cost.