Influence of Adaptive Gap Control Mechanism and Tool Electrodes on Machining Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) Alloy in EDM Process

Abstract

Titanium alloy is widely used for orthodontic technology and easily machined using the EDM process. In the EDM process, the workpiece and tool electrode must be separated by a continuous air gap during the machining operation to generate discharge energy in this method. In the present study, an endeavor was made to analyze the effects of a servo feed air gap control and tool electrode in the EDM process. The developed mechanical setup consists of a linear action movement with zero backlash along the X-axis, which can be controlled up to 0.03 mm. It was observed that the suggested air gap control scheme can enhance the servo feed mechanism on a machining titanium alloy. A tungsten carbide electrode can enhance the surface measures owing to its ability to produce tiny craters with uniform distribution. Since it produces a little crater and has a higher melting point, a tungsten carbide electrode can create lesser surface roughness than a copper tool and brass tool electrode.