Optimization of PMEDM process parameters for B4C and B4C+SiC reinforced AA7075 composites

Abstract

MaterialsWith sufficient electrical conductivity can be successfully processed by applying the electrical discharge machining (EDM) method; however, due to the presence of non-conductive particles in composites, which have been produced by adding ceramics particles, problems such as unstable machining, low material removal rate, and high tool wear are observed during the EDM. This study employed powder-mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM) by adding electrically conductive nano-size graphite powder into the dielectric liquid to minimize these problems. Moreover, the machinability of AA7075/ B4C and AA7075/ B4C+SiC composites was evaluated using the Taguchi method. The experimental study used L18 orthogonal array (OA) (21 ×32). ANOVA was employed to obtain significant parameters and percent contributions of variable parameters on the material removal rate (MRR). Reinforcement ratio, current and sintering time applied to the workpiece were chosen as variable parameters. The optimum parameters for MRR were obtained at A1B3C3 (reinforcement ratio= 10%, current= 8 A, sintering time=150 min). According to S/N ratio graphs, increasing the reinforcement ratio leads to a decreased MRR. On the contrary, when the applied current increases, MRR increases. Additionally, analysis results show that the discharge current is the most important parameter affecting MRR. In the morphological examinations, it was understood that the amounts of B4C and SiC particles in the composite structure affect the quality of the machined surfaces. It was determined that the surface quality deteriorated with the increase in the amount of SiC and B4C in the composite structure and the increase in the discharge current.