Enhancement of machinability of titanium alloy in the Eductor based PMEDM process

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, an attempt has been made in PMEDM process to sustain the homogeneity in the powder-dielectric mixture irrespective of the nature of the powders, their particle size, concentration etc., The traditional way of powder mixing system in Powder Mixing Electric Discharge Machining (PMEDM) has been refurbished with a novel Eductor based system along with a metering devise to ensure uniform mixing of the powers with the dielectric. Additionally sintered crucible filtration test on the sample of powder-dielectric mixture ensured the presence of known quantity of powders in the dielectric. The experiments are conducted on Titanium alloy with Gap current, Duty factor, Delivery pressure, powder types (Alumina, Silica, and copper) and concentration of these powders as variable process parameters. The output responses, namely material removal rate, tool wear index and surface finish obtained during the machining process have been optimized using AHP-TOPSIS method. The confirmation test indicated that the closeness co-efficient value for the TOPSIS analysis improved by 2.37% compared with the predicted value.