Effects of process parameters on the performance of electrical discharge machining of AISI M42 high speed tool steel alloy

High strength temperature resistant alloys used in sophisticated applications in the industries are hard to machine owning to their high strength and improved mechanical properties. They are preferably machined by non-conventional machining methods due to their better control and automation. Among these non-conventional machining methods Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is one of the versatile machining process used by the manufacturing and automotive industries. In this study, such alloy AISI M42 tool steel used in aero-space and thermal applications is machined with EDM. The effect of specific machining parameters on MRR (Metal Removal Rate) was investigated during machining. During EDM commercial grade EDM-50 oil was used as di-electric fluid in this study. The present study reveals that maximum MRR was observed at -ve tool polarity. The most influential parameter effecting this process was found to be tool polarity followed by current. (c) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.