Small Diameter External Cylindrical Surfaces Obtained by Ram Electrical Discharge Machining

Abstract

Electrical discharge machining uses the pulse electrical discharges generated between the closest asperities existing on the workpiece surface and the active surface of the tool electrode in dielectric fluid. Essentially, some distinct electrical discharge machining schemas could be used in order to obtain cylindrical external surfaces; within this research, one preferred a machining schema based on the use of a cooper plate in which there were small diameter holes, by taking into consideration the existence of a ram electrical discharge machine. The results of the machining process analysis were presented. A thin copper was considered to be used as tool electrode, in order to diminish the spurious electrical discharges, able to generate shape errors of the machined surface. Some experimental researches were developed by changing the sizes of the process input parameters. As output factors, the test piece and tool electrode masses decreases were considered. Power type empirical mathematical models were determined, in order to highlight the influence exerted by the pulse on time, off time and machining process duration on the output parameters values.