Micro-machining and Process Optimization of Electrochemical Discharge Machining (ECDM) Process by TOPSIS Method

Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite is highly acceptable in aerospace, automotive and structural applications. However, the machining of CFRP composite by traditional processes is challenging task owing to its semi-conductive and fibrous nature. In the recent years, the electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) process has been recognized as novel method for micro-machining of conductive and non-conductive materials. In this study, an attempt has been made to micro-drilling of holes on carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite using ECDM process. The experiment were performed using L-9 Taguchi's orthogonal array with applied voltage, electrolyte concentration gap and inter-electrode gap as input process parameters, though material removal rate (MRR) and overcut as response characteristics. Additionally, multi-response process optimization is conducted by Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method.