Hole Making by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) of γ-TiAl Intermetallic Alloys

Abstract

Due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion and wear resistance, γ-TiAl alloys are selected for aerospace and automotive applications. Since these materials are difficult to cut and machine by conventional methods, this study performed drilling tests using Electro Discharge Machining (EDM) to compare the machinability between two different types of γ-TiAl: extruded MoCusi and ingot MoCuSi. Different electrode materials and machining parameters were tested and wear, surface hardness, roughness and integrity were analyzed. The results indicate that extruded MoCuSi is preferable over MoCuSi ingots.