Optimization of machining performance parameters in wire EDM of metals with different thermophysical properties

Abstract

CNC Wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) is different mode of electro discharge machining (EDM) in which conductive, stretched small diameter thin wire is used as tool. It has been widely used to shape machine elements by electrical sparks. In cutting with WEDM, suitable input parameters for the work piece material should be selected due to the its specifications. However the desired machining performace outputs like material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra) parameters can be controlled in this way. In this study the role of thermophysical properties of work piece materials are researched in WEDM. And also, in this presented study an attempt has been made to Grey relational analysis to obtain desirable performance characteristics through the selection of appropriate process parameters. For this purpose, aluminum, copper and high speed steel (HSS) are machined with various parameters. As a result, the greatest MRR was obtained in the cutting of copper and in HSS and aluminum processes, respectively. And also if the detected surface roughness values are evaluated from lowest to highest copper, HSS and aluminum metals, respectively.