A study on compound micromachining using laser and Electric Discharge Machining (EDM)

Abstract

Laser offers faster machining time usually with poor surface finish. On the contrary, Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) is well known for its good surface finish but the process is very slow. An attempt has been made in this study to explore the feasibility of combining both these processes through simultaneous or sequential machining within the same setup to maximise the benefits and eliminate the shortcomings of both the processes. In this study, it has been found that the EDM process was able to eliminate the defects, such as dross and striation lines produced by the laser process. Therefore, if the two processes are combined, laser will enable fast machining while EDM can be used to iron out the defects caused by the laser, to ensure a good surface finish. As such, the overall machining time to produce a good surface finish will be substantially reduced. The results obtained in this study show a promising potential to perform both the processes through simultaneous or sequential machining to derive the benefits and eliminate the shortcomings of both these processes.