Relationship between Magnetic Flux Density and Temperature Distributions of Permanent Magnets by EDM

Abstract

It is difficult to machine permanent magnets by traditional machining such as turning, milling and grinding, because of magnetic force. However, electrical discharge machining (EDM), which is a non-contact thermal machining method, has been used for shape machining of magnetic materials. In the EDM process, non-magnetic materials such as copper and graphite are typically used for electrodes. Magnetic materials have a Curie point; therefore, their magnetic flux density reduces when they are heated to a high temperature. Because EDM is a thermal process, it has the potential to control the magnetic flux density of a machined surface. In this study, to clarify the relationship between magnetic flux density and temperature distributions in depth direction of permanent magnest by EDM, internal temperatures of magnets were investigated using a K type thermo couple during EDM. Neodymium magnets were used as work-pieces. The magnetic flux density of a machined neodymium magnet was measured. In addition, the effects of duty factor (D.F.) were also examined. The results showed that the average temperature inside of the magnet is determined by the input energy, depending on the discharge conditions. A decrease of surface magnetic flux density after EDM is affected by the magnitude of the area and the amount of decrease is due to the increase of the internal temperature of the magnet. Therefore, it isn’t determined by the magnitude of the simple input energy.