On the optimization into wire electro-discharge machining of Al/Al2O3p composites

Non-traditional process like wire electro-discharge machining (WEDM) is found to show a promise for machining metal matrix composites (MMCs). However, the machining information for the difficult -to-machine particle- reinforced material is inadequate. This paper is focused on experimental investigation to examine the effect of electrical as well as non-electrical machining parameters on performance in wire electro-discharge machining of metal matrix composites (Al/Al(2)O(3)p). Taguchi orthogonal array was used to study the effect of combination of reinforcement, current, pulse on-time, off-time, servo reference voltage, maximum feed speed, wire speed, flushing pressure and wire tension on kerf width and cutting speed. Reinforcement percentage, current, on-time was found to have significant effect on cutting rate and kerf width. The optimum machining parameter combinations were obtained for cutting speed and kerf width separately.