A NEW METHOD FOR MACHINING OF ELECTRICALLY NONCONDUCTIVE WORKPIECES USING ELECTRIC DISCHARGE MACHINING TECHNIQUE

KÜÇÜKTÜRK G., Cogun C.

MACHINING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol.14, no.2, pp.189-207, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 14 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/10910344.2010.500497
  • Journal Name: MACHINING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.189-207
  • Keywords: conductive layer, ED machining of nonconductive ceramics, graphite powder, material removal rate, thermal properties, MATERIAL REMOVAL, CERAMICS, EDM
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, a new method for machining of nonconductive ceramic workpieces in electric discharge machining (EDM) was developed. Machining surfaces of nonconductive workpieces were coated with a conductive layer (CL) and graphite powder was added to dielectric fluid for machining. Al2O3, ZrO2, SiC, B4C and glass workpiece samples were machined by using the method. Different machining conditions were tested for each sample and optimum machining parameters were determined. Effect of electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and melting point of workpieces on material removal rate (MRR) was investigated. Optical microscope and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) surface photographs of workpieces taken after machining are presented and discussed.