Investigations on process behavior in micro EDM using novel tool electrode materials

Abstract

Experimental investigations in micro electrical discharge machining (EDM) aim to decrease the wear of tool electrodes using novel electrode materials such as boron doped CVD-diamond (B-CVD) and polycrystalline diamond (PCD). This paper presents the results of the latest investigations on process behaviour in micro electrical discharge machining. The characteristics of the plasma channel like ignition behaviour and channel expansion in the working gap are of great interest for reduction of tool electrode wear. Therefore single pulse discharges have been analysed and photographs have been taken of these discharges using a high speed framing camera. Moreover process behaviours of PCD and B-CVD were investigated and wear behavior, process time and working gap width analysed and compared to those of cemented carbide and tungsten copper.