A study on the EDM drilling of reaction-bonded silicon carbide using different electrode materials

Abstract Today, there is a growing demand for efficient hole manufacturing technology in many industries such as aeronautics, automotive and nuclear, among others. Thus, the present study deals with machining of through holes on SiSiC advanced ceramic by using Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) drilling technology. Since recommendations related to electrode characteristics settings parameters are found be scant industrial use EDM ceramics, this research work comes cover gap it presents complete focused influence different electrodes under rough finish conditions. In particular, four materials (copper, copper-tungsten, graphite copper infiltrated graphite) three diameters ranging from 2 4 mm investigated. addition, rotational speed also analysed. From experimental results, both material regime, seem most relevant factors all. case diameter electrode, removal rate (MRR) Cu was, approximately, 4.5 times higher than that obtained C electrode. fact, was rotating at 20 rpm combined high values discharge energy (I = A; t i 70 µs) economical option terms production cost time, gives MRR 0.4754 3 /min minimum wear (EW) value 7.52%. Moreover, slightly were achieved CuC compared those indicating addition contributes greater material. However, Ra 0.37 µm could setting low current intensity 0.5 45 no rotation.