Experimental Studies of EDM Performance on TI-6AL-4V Alloy: Effects of Process Factors on Machinability

Abstract

In the present work, machinability of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) is examined during ElectroDischarge Machining (EDM). Experiments are conducted by varying peak discharge current and pulse-on duration; the EDM performance is assessed in terms of material removal efficiency, surface roughness and rate of tool wear. Surface integrity of the machined specimen is evaluated in purview of surface morphology and topographical features including surface crack density, white layer thickness, material migration, phase transformation, residual stress and micro-indentation hardness. Effects of input parameters on EDM performance of Ti-6Al-4V are discussed. Phenomenon of tool wear during EDM operation is interpreted with carbide formation at the bottom surface of the tool electrode.