Changes in composition and properties of tool electrode during electrospark alloying with Al–Sn alloy

Abstract

It is shown that, during the alloying of the D1 aluminum-based alloy using a tool electrode made of Al–Sn alloy, the surface layer of the electrode becomes enriched in oxides and the elements contained in the cathode material. The presence of the oxides leads to an increase in the electrical resistance of the electrode and to its excessive heating, which reduces the efficiency of alloying; this necessitates the recurrent modification of the working surface of the electrode.