Experimental investigation on EDM of aluminium alloy (Al 2014) using diatomite powder-mixed dielectric fluid based on Taguchi methodology

Abstract

One of the most crucial factors to consider in electro-discharge machining (EDM) is the choice for right machining factors since these factors affect crucial properties like material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear rate (TWR), compared to other factors. In current study, a diatomite powder material mixed dielectric fluid is utilised to machine Aluminum Alloy in order to boost the dielectric fluid's electrical conducting capacity, expand the Al2014 workpiece and Cu electrode gap, and easily expel removed material. This increases the MRR and decreases the rate of tool wear. Additionally, a L9 orthogonal array (OA) that adopts the Taguchi methodology was used in this study to conduct a number of trials, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to scientifically evaluate the outcomes. To define the technological qualities stated above, the primary machining parameters voltage (V), pulse-on interval (Ton), pulse-off interval (Toff) and current (I) were selected. The results show that the current is the most important variable, with MRR increasing from 0.981 mm3/min to 1.8 mm3/min when the current is increased from 14 A to 18 A.