Electric discharge machining of titanium and its alloys: review

Abstract

Electric discharge machining (EDM) is one of the leading edge machining processes successfully used to machine hard-to-cut materials in wide range of industrial applications. It is a non-conventional material removal process that can machine a complex shapes and geometries with high accuracy. The principle of the EDM technique is to use thermoelectric energy to erode conductive components by rapidly recurring sparks between the non-contacted electrode and workpiece. To improve EDM performance, the machine’s operating parameters need to be optimized. Studies related to the EDM have shown that the appropriate selection of the process, material, and operating parameters had considerably improved the process performance. This paper made a comprehensive review about the research studies on the EDM of different grades of titanium and its alloys. This review presents the experimental and theoretical studies on EDM that aimed to improve the process performance, including material removal rate, surface quality, and tool wear rate, among others. This paper also examines evaluation models and techniques used to determine the EDM process conditions. Moreover, the paper discusses the recent developments in EDM and outlines the progression for future research.