अमूर्त

Optimizing surface roughness in Wire-EDM using machining parameters

R.Pandithurai, I. Ambrose Edward

Wire Electro Discharge machining (WEDM) is one of the important non-traditional machining processes which are used for machining difficult to machine materials like composites and inter-metallic materials. Intricate profiles used in prosthetics, bio-medical applications can also be done in WEDM. WEDM involves complex physical and chemical process including heating and cooling. The electrical discharge energy affected by the spark plasma intensity and the discharging time will determine the crater size, which in turn will influence the machining efficiency and surface quality. This paper presents an effective approach to optimize process parameters for Wire electro discharge machining (WEDM).WEDM is extensively used in tool and die industries. Precision and intricate machining are the strengths. While machining time and surface quality still remains as major challenges. The main objective of this study is to obtain higher material removal rate (MRR) and lower surface roughness (SR). Ton, T off, Gap voltage and wire feed rate are the four control factors taken each at various levels. The genetic algorithm optimization tool is used to find the factors level that create a low surface roughness in WEDM.