Performance analysis of copper-based MWCNT composite coated 316L SS tool in electro discharge machining

Abstract

The tool material properties are essential key factors for the enhancement of electro discharge machining performance mainly, resistance to the wear of tool, removal of material from workpiece, and machined surface quality. In this study, copper-based multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite coated 316 L stainless steel electrode was fabricated by electrodeposition method and used in EDM operation for investigating machining performance. The agglomeration problem of MWCNTs was a critical issue for fabrication copper matrix composite, which was addressed with a cationic dispersing agent. The copper-based MWCNT composite coated electrode was used for machining of 304 SS workpiece. The experimental results show 57.11% reduction of tool wear rate (TWR) and 99.52% improvement of material removal rate (MRR) for copper-based MWCNT composite coated electrode compared to pure copper coated 316 L SS electrode. The enhancement of surface quality was also observed for the machined surface, which was generated during the machining with copper-based MWCNT composite coated electrode. The micro-crack formation was almost eliminated by using copper-based MWCNT composite coated electrode, which will enhance the strength and fatigue property of machined component. The enhancement of micro-hardness was also observed for the machined surface.

Keywords:

• Cu-MWCNT composite
• EDM
• electrode
• tool wear rate (TWR)
• material removal rate (MRR)
• micro-crack

Nomenclature

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful and acknowledge the support and cooperation of Centre of Excellence and Advanced Tribology Lab, IIEST, Shibpur, Howrah.