Experimental Investigation of Machining Parameters for EDM Using U-shaped Electrode of AISI P20 Tool Steel

Abstract

The correct selection of manufacturing conditions is one of the most important aspects to take into consideration in the majority of manufacturing processes and, particularly, in processes related to Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). It is a capable of machining geometrically complex or hard material components, that are precise and difficult-to-machine such as heat treated tool steels, composites, super alloys, ceramics, carbides, heat resistant steels etc. being widely used in die and mold making industries, aerospace, aeronautics and nuclear industries.
AISI P20 Plastic mould steel that is usually supplied in a hardened and tempered condition. Good machinability, better polishability, it has a grooving rang of application in Plastic moulds, frames for plastic pressure dies, hydro forming tools These steel are categorized as difficult to machine materials, posses greater strength and toughness are usually known to create major challenges during conventional and non- conventional machining. The Electric discharge machining process is finding out the effect of machining parameter such as discharge current, pulse on time and diameter of tool of AISI P20 tool steel material. Using U-shaped cu tool with internal flushing. A well-designed experimental scheme was used to reduce the total number of experiments. Parts of the experiment were conducted with the L18 orthogonal array based on the Taguchi method. Moreover, the signal-to-noise ratios associated with the observed values in the experiments were determined by which factor is most affected by the Responses of Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Wear Rate (TWR) and over cut (OC).