Pattern generation by selective area deposition of material in EDM

ABSTRACT

This article describes a process of pattern generation by selective area deposition of material on aluminum workpiece. Tungsten–copper powder metallurgical green compact tool and polyvinylchloride masking have been applied to deposit material at a selected area of the work surface. The rate of material transfer, surface roughness and edge deviation of the pattern has been considered as performance measures. Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Disperse Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction analyzes show the transfer of tool material to the selected area. The presence of tool material increases the surface hardness of the workpiece more than three times. However, hardness decreases toward the base material due to a gradual decrease of hard tool materials.

KEYWORDS:

• EDM
• powder
• material
• masking
• area
• deposition
• pattern