An experimental study on magnetic field-assisted-EDM process for Inconel-625

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ABSTRACT

In this experimental study, the effect of magnetic field on electrical discharge machining (EDM) performance was evaluated for Inconel-625. The magnetic-field-assisted EDM (MFA-EDM) process is defined as a combination of EDM and magnetic field environment. Permanent magnets were installed at the proper distance for the creation of a magnetic field and the experiments were conducted using the Cu tool. Magnetic field intensities of 0.396 T and 0.665 T were applied during EDM operations. Performance of the EDM under the action of different magnetic fields was evaluated based on material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), and average surface roughness (Ra). The experimental results showed that higher MRR, higher TWR, and lower Ra values were observed under the action of the magnetic field. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis also confirmed a better surface quality under the action of the magnetic field. The SEM micrograph showed the presence of lesser cracks present on the machined surface with MFA-EDM.

KEYWORDS:

• Electrical discharge machining
• hybrId process
• magnetic field assistance
• Inconel-625
• EDM performance

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC)- Technical Services Centre, Aligarh for providing the facility of EDM machine. Special thanks to Mr. Hari Om Sharma (Workshop In-charge, NSIC) and Mr. Mohan Lal (Technician, NSIC) for helping in conducting experiments on the EDM machine. The authors also thank the Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh for extending the facility of magnetic field measurement.

Disclosure statement

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