Factor Effect on Crater Shapes in Electrical Discharge Machining

The extensive applicability of electrical discharge machining (EDM) in processing advanced materials is very tangible in itself. A realistic model of EDM process still remains an unachievable end, despite the numerous research efforts of sublime significance. This paper focuses on modelling and simulation of EDM process, to evaluate the influence of the input parameters, viz., current: 2-10 A and spark on time (T-on): 100-300 mu s on the shapes of developed craters. It was observed that the crater radius-to-depth ratio (R-d) represent an incremental trend ranging from 1.679 to 2.575 with current and T-on, with the former having greater influence as such. The material removal rate (MRR) achieved a peak value of 121.533 mm(3)/min (at I = 10 A, V = 30 V and T-on = 300 mu s). Finally, it can be presumed that the increase in Rd with current is the major contributor for higher surface roughness (R-a) for EDM machining at peak parametric values.