Some study on electrical discharge machining of ({WC+TiC+TaC/NbC}–Co) cemented carbide

Abstract

Electrical discharge machining process is a potential method of shaping ({WC+TiC+TaC/NbC}–Co) cemented carbide known for its superior hardness and compressive strength at high temperature and resistance to diffusion wear. Yet, detailed study on electrical discharge machining of this material is lacking in the literature. In the present investigation, therefore, mathematical models are developed for material removal rate, wear ratio, and surface roughness in electrical discharge machining of this cemented carbide using the procedure of statistical design of experiments. Current setting, pulse on time, and pulse off time are chosen as input parameters. Based on available machine settings, a face-centered central composite design is selected for meaningful experimentations. The procedure may be extended to develop a data bank for such type of materials. Further, to reveal the attributes behind the removal of material from the work-piece surface, scanning electron micrographs are studied. It appears that sufficient superheating of work-piece material and subsurface boiling is essential for efficient material removal and that formation of pock marks due to burst of blisters and associated crack formation may be controlled by choosing a proper dielectric.