Performance study of Electrical discharge diamond face surface grinding (EDDFSG) on hybrid metal matrix composite

Abstract

Hybrid machining techniques are effective means for machining of difficult-to-cut, electrically conductive hard and brittle materials. In the present work, performance characteristics of newly developed Electrical discharge diamond face surface grinding were experimentally studied during machining flat surfaces of a difficult-to-cut hybrid metal matrix composite, which is a new configuration of electrical discharge diamond grinding. Gap current, on and off time are the spark related parameters as well as grinding related parameters such as abrasive grit size, RPM of wheel, and table speed are considered as input process parameters. The role of input process parameters was investigated in machining performance such as MRR and R a during electrical discharge diamond face surface grinding of Al/SiCp/B4Cp hybrid metal matrix composite. Scanning electron microscopy was also used to study the recast layers and surface texture of machined surface. Better surface finish with reduced recasts and higher MRR evince the potential applicability of the process.