Surface integrity and accuracy based aspects in EDM of Cu-based SMA: an experimental investigation with microstructural analysis

ABSTRACT

The need for innovative materials has increased in the current era of research and technology. Advanced materials such as shape memory alloys are in great supply in the industrial and commercial sectors. It is a unique and very uncommon metal alloy that can regain its original shape after being subjected to extremely low temperatures. SMAs may be classified as NiTi-based, Cu-based, or Fe-based depending on the metal-combination. Alloys based on copper have excellent elasticity and damping properties that allow them to withstand a broad variety of temperatures. Using the EDM method, this research investigates the effects of Ton, Toff, Ip, and GV on SR and dimensional deviation. 8.87 mm and 4.79 mm are the greatest and lowest values of SR that can be found, respectively. The dimensional deviation ranges from 0.03 mm to 0.28 mm, with a minimum value of 0.03 mm. Ton and Ip have a greater influence on surface roughness than Toff and GV. Images from SEM of workpiece samples show the production of micro-cracks as-well-as macro-ridges on the surface of the sample during EDM operations. SEM micrographs depicted the deviation in the dimensions of the workpiece samples after EDM operations on Cu-based SMA samples.

KEYWORDS:

• SMA
• SME
• EDM
• SR
• DD
• Cu-based SMA
• pulse on time
• peak current
• SEM
• RL

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).