Optimization of the electrical discharge machine using AZ 31 magnesium alloy

Abstract

Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM) is the process of designing the material and including complex structure using electrical discharge. Many research has been carried out in the EDM using different materials to increase Material Removal Rate (MRR), decrease Electrode Wear Rate (EWR) and Surface Roughness (SR). The various optimization techniques are applied to identify the parameter settings to increase MRR. In this research, the EDM process is conducted using the material of AZ 31 Magnesium alloy with hydrothermal treatment to reduce the MRR. The Taguchi method is applied to identify the optimal parameter for the EDM process to minimize the MRR, EWR and SR. The optimal value of the method is obtained as peak current of 55 A, voltage of 220 V, pulse on-time of 16 µs, and the pulse off-time of 512 µs.