Influence of 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid as a surfactant on a graphite-based dielectric in powder mixed electric discharge machining

A recent trend in micro-EDM is the addition of powders into dielectric. The presence helps to lower dielectric breakdown voltage and, therefore, discharge occurs early. As a result, energy better distributed, resulting greater number discharges, each with less energy. main advantage using this method improvement both process performance and surface finishing workpiece. In general, critical aspect implementation technology management powder. fact, obtain advantages during machining, should be maintained dispersed avoid their aggregation. This paper aims study concentration powder surfactant fluid on drilling performance. Titanium alloy was used as workpiece material, hydrocarbon oil dielectric, graphite powder, 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid surfactant. evaluated considering material removal rate, tool wear ratio, geometrical characteristics holes (overcut taper rate). Graphite content positively affected rate ratio; larger spark gap observed well. use required for mix stability, but increasing its percentage generally reduces effects increases data dispersion