Experimental Investigations into the Effects of Microelectric-Discharge Milling Process Parameters on Processing Ti–6Al–4V

Abstract

Microelectric-discharge milling is acquiring more importance in micromanufacturing because of its unique ability to produce three-dimensional microcavities with high aspect ratio in electrically conductive advanced materials regardless of its mechanical properties. The present study investigates the effects of major microelectric-discharge milling process variables [voltage (V), capacitance (C), electrode rotational speed (ERS), and feed rate (FR)] on Ti–6Al–4V. The output performance measures were identified as material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear rate (TWR) to assess the machinability of Ti–6Al–4V. Experiments were designed and carried out based on response surface methodology-Box-Behnken statistical design. The most influencing parameters for responses (MRR, TWR) were found to be capacitance and FR. At a capacitance of 0.4 µF and FR of 18 mm/min, maximum MRR of 0.9756 mg/h, and TWR of 0.6342 mg/h were observed. Similarly at 0.01 µF and 6 mm/min, minimum MRR of 0.2308 mg/h, and TWR of 0.1259 mg/h were obtained.