Machining quality comparison of Al-TiB2 composite using conventional EDM and magnetic force-assisted powder-mixed EDM

ABSTRACT

Now a day’s researchers are working hard to improve the process performance of unconventional or advanced machining processes by hybridising them with other mechanisms. In the present research, a hybrid variant of electrical discharge machining (EDM) has been proposed by developing a setup to create a rotating magnetic field near the machining zone and also by mixing a conductive powder (chromium, 325 mesh size) on a separate dielectric tank. The machining performance of indigenously developed hybrid magnetic force assisted powder mixed electric discharge machining (MFPEDM) has been compared with conventional EDM during machining of Al-TiB2 metal matrix composite. The comparison results elucidate considerable improvements in material removal rate (39.27%), surface finish (54.45%), and overcut (44.97%) by MFPEDM as compared to EDM.

KEYWORDS:

• EDM
• hybrid machining
• metal matrix composite
• MFPEDM
• performance characteristics

Disclosure statement

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