Study on the Effect of Process Parameters on Machinability Performance of AA7050/B4C Metal Matrix Composite on Wire Cut EDM

Abstract

The present investigation has been initiated based on the wire electric discharge machining of Al7050/7.5 B4C stir cast metal matrix composite. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array has been used to analyses the concurrent effect pulse current (I p ), pulse-on time (T on ) and servo voltage (S v ) on material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness. From Taguchi analysis, it is observed that the optimal setting of process parameters for maximum MRR is I p 3T on 3S v 3, whereas for minimum surface roughness, the optimal configuration of process parameters is I p 3T on 2S v 1. The error estimated between predicted MRR and surface roughness with experimental MRR and Surface roughness at the optimal setting of process parameters is within ±5%. Analysis of variance shows that I p contributes maximum towards MRR and T on contributes maximum towards surface roughness.