Experimental investigation and optimisation of process parameters in micro-electrical discharge machining

Abstract

Micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) is a promising technology for fabricating micro parts in a variety of materials. It is used in the production of micro motors, surgical instruments, micro robots, micro-moulds, automobile engine parts etc. In this study, the effect of machining parameters during machining of Inconel 600 alloy was investigated and parameters optimisation was carried out by considering multiple performance characteristics using Taguchi method and Grey relational analysis. The process parameters considered in this work are open voltage, capacitance, discharge feed and feed rate for the responses include tool wear rate and material removal rate. Experiments based on L9 orthogonal array was carried out and analysis of variance was performed to analyse the experimental results. The coefficient and grades were determined according to Grey relational analysis. The optimised process parameters leads to lower tool wear rate and higher material removal rate are verified through a confirmation experiment.