Effect of Cryo-treatment of wires on machining performance of WEDM

ABSTRACT

In the recent past, through the exact patterning and refinement of the microstructure, cryogenic treatment considerably improves the mechanical properties of the materials. Cryo-processing improves dimensional stability and wear resistance in aerospace, tool, and die industries. The impact of cryogenically treating wire electrodes on WEDM performance parameters are investigated in this work. Utilizing various wire electrodes, including molybdenum, deep cryo-treated, and untreated brass wire, analysis was done on the machining performance, including MRR, SF, and KW. The experimental results show cryogenically treated wire has advantages over untreated, including better surface quality, a higher material removal rate (MRR), and increased conductivity. Cryogenic treatment of wire electrodes reduces residual stress and improves atomic bonding, improving WEDM machining performance. Cryogenically treated wire improved MRR by 4.48% and 1.64% over molybdenum and plain brass wire, respectively. Plain brass wire had a superior surface finish than cryogenic-treated and molybdenum wire by 1.15% and 2.20%, respectively.

KEYWORDS:

• Electrode
• Discharge
• Machining
• Cryogenic treatment
• Monel
• MRR
• Brass wire

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.