Optimization of EDM Process Parameters: A Review

Electrical Discharge Machining performance is generally evaluated on the basis of Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Wear Rate (TWR), Relative Wear Ratio (RWR) and Surface Roughness (SR). The important EDM machining parameters affecting to the performance measures of the process are discharge current, pulse on time, pulse off time, arc gap, and duty cycle [9]. A considerable amount of work has been reported by the researchers on the measurement of EDM performance on the basis of MRR, TWR, RWR, and SR for various materials. Several approaches are proposed in the literature to solve the problems related with optimization of these parameters. It is felt that a review of the various approaches developed would help to compare their main features and their relative advantages or limitations to allow choose the most suitable approach for a particular application and also throw light on aspects that needs further attention. In view of above, this paper presents a review of development done in the optimization of EDM related process parameters. Keywords— EDM, MRR, EWR, SR, RSM, Taguchi.