Potential of using EDM for Cutting Composite Materials

Abstract

In the present study, stir casting method (SCM) was used to produce metal matrix composites (MMC). Aluminum (Al) 6061 and silicon carbide particles (F500≈15µm) were selected as matrix and reinforcement materials respectively. Matrix (Al6061), Al-5%SiC and Al-10%SiC were subjected to Electric discharge machining (EDM) to analyses the effect of input parameters namely peak current (Ip), pulse-on-time (Ton), duty cycle (DT) and gap (g). Optical microscope was used to determine the SiC particles distribution in the Al matrix of the composites (as-cast). The digital balance was used to determine the material removal rate (MRR) and Tool wear rate (TWR) for the matrix and composites. The maximum values of MRR obtained, were 0.355 g/min, 0.324 g/min and 0.344 g/min in case of matrix (Al 6061), Al-5%SiC and Al-10%SiC respectively. The minimum values of TWR obtained, were 0.414%, 0% and 0.386% in case of matrix (Al 6061), Al-5%SiC and Al-10%SiC respectively.