Effect of Different Electrode Materials on the Performance of EDM: A Review

Abstract

The cutting and machining of metals with high impact resistance, hardness and toughness are a challenge nowadays. The machining of these materials by conventional techniques and non-conventional machining processes are analyzed by most of the researchers. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a non-traditional controlled spark generation machining process used to machine hard, tough and impact resistance alloy materials. This article gives intense literature of recent various methodologies used to improve the performance of die sinking EDM and Wire EDM process with more specifically to cladding/ coating technology on tool/wire electrode. This study presents a methodology to select process parameters like current, voltage, pulse on time, pulse off time, magnetic field effect, dielectric pressure, coating materials, etc. with respect to output responses, namely Tool wear rate, Material removal rate, Surface roughness, crater morphology, crack density, dimensional accuracy etc.This paper also highlights different tool electrode material, wire electrode material, various coating materials and their respective dimensions, design of experiment (DOE) and optimization methods.