Surface Generation Mechanism in Electrical Discharge Machining with Silicon Powder Mixed Fluid

Abstract

The machined surface in EDM with silicon powder mixed fluid becomes glossier and has a smaller surface roughness than those in conventional EDM with kerosine type fluid. The effect of silicon powder mixing on the surface generation mechanism was experimentally investigated. It was made clear that EDM with silicon powder mixed fluid led to smaller undulation of a crater, since the impact force acting on the workpiece was smaller and that the more the precipitated carbides in the workpiece, the larger the surface roughness, since the carbides came off because of crack propagation due to the frequent heat impact during EDM.