Study on the Technological Characteristics of Powder-mixed Electrical Discharge Machining

Some of the technological characteristics of powder-mixed electrical discharge machining (EDM) have been studied in order Io further develop the technology. The effects of the machining parameters, namely discharge current, workpiece polarity, and rotate speed of tool electrode on performance characteristics including material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness are tested by means of experiments. Experimental results indicate that powder-mixed EDM can provide both higher MRR and lower surface roughness compared to traditional EDM when pulse energy is low, and that it can provide more perfect surface when with proper polarity as well as aided with a rotation of the tool electrode at a specific speed.