Optimization of Electrical Discharge Machining Process parameters for 17-7 PH Stainless Steel by using Taguchi Technique

Abstract

In a number of industries, hard and fragile materials find a variety of applications. With the improvement and developments in innovative technologies, low weight- high strength, high resistance to temperature. Materials have been preparing to meet the industry requirements. The HSTR materials are difficult to machine in a conventional machining process in such cases either the tool may undergo extreme wear /damage or the work material will be damaged. To overcome the above problems there is a need for non-traditional machining process. In unconventional machining process, Electrical Discharge Machining process plays a vital role in metal cutting applications with highly accurate and excellent machining capabilities. Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) is a well-established un-traditional machining process in industries all over the world. Any electrically conductive materials can be easily machined. The foremost aim of this effort is optimization of process parameters of Electrical Discharge Machining for 17-7 PH steel by using Taguchi technique. The workpiece material was 17-7 PH (Precipitation Hardened) stainless steel and copper as an electrode. The process parameters of machining parameters, i.e., current, pulse on time, discharge voltage and Inter-Electrode Gap (IEG) on the outputs of Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Wear Rate (TWR) and Surface Roughness (Ra), Overcut and Clearance in Electrical Discharge Machining are examined. The L9 orthogonal array was used to design the experimental layout for this work with MINITAB software.