Machinability assessment of titanium grade 2 alloy using deionized water in EDM

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the effect of input process parameters on the output parameters during electrical discharge machining (EDM) of titanium grade 2 alloy. The electrode material and the dielectric fluid used in this experimental study are copper and deionized water respectively. Effect of current and pulse-on time on material removal rate, tool wear rate and surface roughness have been studied. Various types of toxic gases are evolved due to the use of conventional hydrocarbon oil in EDM. To reduce these toxic emissions and make the process sustainable, deionized water is used as an alternative of hydrocarbon oil. The trend of variation of the response measures is investigated with the changes occurred in the input variables. MRR and TWR increase with increase in current. Whereas, MRR increases and TWR decreases with increase in pulse-on time. Surface roughness increases with increase in current and pulse-on time. Micrographs are studied to understand the surface texture of the workpiece. ANOVA is performed to know the percentage contribution of the variable parameters on the output performance measures.