Machinability studies on hybrid nano-SiC and nano-ZrO2 reinforced aluminium hybrid composite by wire-cut electrical discharge machining

Abstract

This paper deals about the optimization and modelling of Wire cut Electric Discharge Machining factors such as pulse OFF-Time (Toff), gap voltage (Vg) and pulse ON-Time (Ton) during machining nano- silicon carbide (nSiC) and nano-zirconium oxide/zirconia (nZrO2) reinforced in Al6061 aluminium alloy matrix. Nanomaterial is synthesis in the planetary high energy ball milling and the hybrid aluminium metal matrix composite (HAMMC) was fabricated by using the stir casting technique. For performing machinability studies on the cast composite. To design the experiments, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based central composite design (CCD) with face-centred approach is implemented. To optimize input conditions, kerf width and surface roughness were analysed. To determine the suitability of the developed model, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is applied and to model the process factors regression analysis is carried out. It is observed from the results that, kerf width decreases when Toff increases and increases with increase in Ton and Vg. A decreasing trend of surface roughness is observed with increasing trend of Vg and surface roughness increase with increase in Ton increases.