Electro-discharge machining of metal matrix composite materials. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shyha, Islam; Rudd, Mark
• Is Part Of: Advances in materials and processing technologies. Volume 2:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 235
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Metal matrix composites -- EDM; Materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1080/2374068X.2016.1164525
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2374-068X

Abstract

Abstract: Following a review on the classification and applications of metal matrix composites (MMCs) and the use of unconventional machining processes to cut MMCs, the paper presents experimental results for electro-discharge machining of an aluminium matrix reinforced with silicon carbide particle composite. A modified fractional factorial experimental design based on Taguchi orthogonal array L9 was employed. This involved three control variables at three levels each, namely discharge current, spark gap and electrode type (varying size and geometry). Process responses included material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR) and average surface roughness of the eroded surface. Maximum MRR/TWR ratio of 21.36 was achieved when 3 A and 10 μm discharge current and sparking gap respectively were used with 5 mm diameter solid electrode (with a corresponding R a of 1.8 μm).