Influences of tool electrodes on machinability of titanium α- β alloy with ISO energy pulse generator in EDM process

Abstract

It is tedious to machine high strength materials such as titanium alloy for making engineering products related to aerospace and medical applications due to its high corrosion resistance and low density. In this study, an endeavor was made to analyze the influence of tool electrodes in electrical discharge machining process for enhancing the machinability of Titanium α- β alloy. Copper, brass and tungsten carbide electrodes were utilized with iso energy pulse generator. It was observed that the use of copper electrode could enhance material removal mechanism due to its higher electrical conductivity. The better surface topography with tiny craters could be observed on machined specimen with tungsten carbide electrode owing to its high melting point. The IEPG generator can produce tiny craters with lower pulse energy and uniform energy distribution. Since it produces tiny crater and has higher melting point, the tungsten carbide tool electrode can create lower surface roughness than other electrodes. Brass electrode can create larger craters on the machined surface of titanium alloy specimens due to its low melting point. Hence it could create higher surface roughness and electrode wear.