Influence of EDM Characteristic Parameters on the Surface Microstructure in CK45 Alloy Steel

Abstract

Electro Discharge Machining (EDM) is a very efficient machining process widely used in manufacturing components of complicated geometry. Based on its nature, i.e. material removal by electric discharge, the process induces thermal stresses that in turn result in generation of wide spread micro-cracks on the surface of the machined part. In this paper the influence of EDM characteristic parameters on the surface microstructure in CK45 alloy steel which is suitable for manufacturing of forging dies has been extensively investigated. An extensive experimental programme has been carried out to explore the role of various EDM parameters on the quality of the machined surface. The relation of EDM parameters has been evaluated quantitatively using the test results and regression analysis. Predicting the impact of EDM parameters on the surface quality as the outcome of this study provides means to appropriately decide on the adjustment of parameters to their optimum values and achieve the desired die surface quality at reasonable manufacturing time and cost.