A review on micro-drilling by electrochemical discharge machining

Abstract

The electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) process is a hybrid of electric discharge machining and electrochemical machining. It was developed to overcome the limitations of other machining technologies on the micromachining of non-conducting materials. The performance of the process depends on various parameters. In this review article, the implications of input parameters on machining performance have been covered in detail. It is observed that various input parameter levels give different rate and quality of machining. A higher applied voltage and electrolyte concentration give a higher material removal rate but has adverse effects such as overcutting and heat-affected zone. The optimum process parameters for better material removal rate and surface quality have been discussed. The ECDM technique has undergone numerous modifications to meet various machining needs. The main ECDM process variants have been thoroughly examined. A wide variety of non-conducting materials, including glass, ceramics, and reinforced composites, have been successfully machined using the ECDM technique. The applications of the ECDM process have been examined and addressed. Potential future research directions and present advancements have also been presented.