Electrical discharge machining of ZrB2-based ceramics

The objective of this study is to investigate the possibility of fabricating ZrB2-based materials using wire-cutting and die-sinking electrical discharge machines. Compared to diamond saw machining, which machined ZrB2-based materials at a relatively low rate, electrical discharge machining is very attractive. Based on the experimental results under different machining conditions, the higher the energy input, the higher will be the material removal rate. ZrB2-Cu is difficult to machine due to partial surface oxidation, which was confirmed by x-ray diffraction and microprobe analysis. The extremely low workpiece removal rate makes ZrB2-Cu appealing for machine tool use.