The effect of machining parameters on tool electrode edge wear and machining performance in Electric Discharge Machining (EDM)

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the variation of tool electrode edge wear and machining performance outputs, namely, the machining rate (workpiece removal rate), tool wear rate and the relative wear, with the varying machining parameters (pulse time, discharge current and dielectric flushing pressure) in EDM die sinking. The edge wear profiles obtained are modeled by using the circular arcs, exponential and power functions. The variation of radii of the circular arcs with machining parameters is given. It is observed that the exponential function models the edge wear profiles of the electrodes very accurately. The variation of exponential model parameters with machining parameters is presented.