Major developments in EDM surface alloying using composite material tool electrode

Abstract

Electric Discharge alloying/Coating (EDC) is an emerging field for the surface modification of advanced engineering materials like tool steel, high heat resistance alloy, titanium alloy etc. The advanced engineering materials have good mechanical properties and are used for the engineering applications like dies, aerospace, and automotives. To treat these difficult-to-machine advanced engineering materials with new challenges, numerous advancements in electrical discharge machining (EDM) processes have been carried out. Electrode materials for EDM are usually made up of copper, and its alloys. Proper selection with composition of electrode materials are required to avoid cracks, residual stresses etc during or after Electrical Discharge Machining and at the same time to have better surface finish and material removal rate and lower tool wear rate of the electrode. Further electrodes can be prepared by different methods like powder metallurgy, stir casting technique etc. This paper presents the brief details of effect of different electrodes on the surface and machining characteristics.