ANALYSIS OF MATERIAL REMOVAL RATE IN ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING (EDM) BY TAGUCHI METHOD

Abstract

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is an unconventional machining process that uses the concept of
controlled spark discharges which increases the temperature of the surface of work-piece and results into the removal of
material from work-piece. EDM is used to machine materials which are hard in nature and have very high strength.
There is no direct contact between the tool and work-piece, hence there is no mechanical energy involved in this process.
The objective of experiment is in increasing the Material Removal Rate (MRR) by optimizing the working parameters of
EDM machine. The work piece used here is Inconel 601- a nickel-chromium alloy having high resistance to high
temperature oxidation. Graphite which has high temperature strength and good thermal and electrical conductivity is
used as an electrode. Kerosene is used as a dielectric because of its good insulation and cooling properties. The 3
working parameters to be optimized are Peak current, Supply voltage and Arc Gap. The design of experiment was done
by Taguchi method with the help of Minitab software. The findings were such that MRR found to be increasing with the
increase in current and voltage whereas MRR is found to be decreasing with the increase in Arc gap. The final findings
have been showcased by graphs generated with the help of Minitab software.