Surface Modification Process by Electrical Discharge Machining with Tungsten Carbide Powder Mixing in Kerosene Fluid

Abstract

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) process is widely used to process hard materials in the industry. The process of electrical discharge is changed and called PMEDM when alloy powder is added in the oil dielectric. In the current study, the effect of tungsten carbide alloy powder added in the dielectric on the surface roughness (R a ) and the micro hardness of surface (HV) status of the workpiece SKD61 after machining is investigated. Studies show that the surface roughness and the micro hardness of surface obtained by PMEDM is generally better than that by normal EDM. The method can be applied for improving surface quality such as improving strengthening of molds and machine parts.