Effect of flushing condition on deep hole micro-EDM drilling

This paper describes the effect of various flushing conditions on the accuracy of deep holes drilled via micro electrical discharge machining (EDM) machining. Copper tubes were used for deep hole drilling in copper. Various dielectric flushing conditions (side jet flushing, through flushing, through flushing combined with side jet flushing, immersion flushing) were evaluated for their effect on the diameter variation, overcut and circularity at workpiece entrance and exit of deep hole drilled. Through flushing and immersion flushing were observed suitable for deep hole drilling whereas side flushing and its combination with through flushing were observed unsuitable for higher aspect ratios holes. Copyright © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.