Fabrication and electrical discharge machining of metal-matrix composites: A review

Processability of metal matrix composite depends upon the appropriately chosen elements, their properties, distributions and interface between them. The ductile property of matrix embedded with ceramics reinforced particles serves to reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion and increase strength and modulus. High tool cost in traditional machining process results in limiting the application of these materials in advance technologies; hence, electric discharge machining process is a widely accepted machining option for geometrically complex-shaped components. This article presents the basic selection of elements and fabrication methods of metal matrix composites and further reviews the research work carried in the field of electric discharge machining to explore ways to improve the efficiency of the machining process. Finally, the research works carried out to measure the residual stress are also addressed, followed by concluding remarks and future scopes.