Vegetable oil based dielectric fluids for electrical discharge Machining Process: Advancements and challenges

Abstract

Electrical Discharge Machining Process, also termed as Spark Erosion Machining has been effectively in practice in different industrial sectors for machining variety of hard-to-cut materials. However, this machining method is associated with number of limitations including toxic gases emissions, fire hazards, waste dielectric disposal problems, etc. With a purpose of reducing such disadvantages, new class of dielectric fluids derived from vegetable oils have been put in practice over past number of years. Common examples of vegetable based dielectrics in EDM process are Jatropha oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, neem oil, pongamia pinnata oil, etc. Use of such green dielectrics has added to the sustainability aspect while machining through EDM process. This review article highlights the effect of machining different hard materials in bio-based dielectric fluids to machining in conventional hydrocarbon oils by comparing their material removal rates, electrode wear rates, surface finish, and surface topographies. Moreover, areas in this field of green EDM which further need to be studied are also highlighted and can be taken as prospects for future study.