Micro EDM parameters optimisation University （微电火花加工参数优化大学）.pdfVIP

Micro EDM parameters optimisation a b,c b b S. Bigot , J. Valentinčič , O. Blatnik , M. Junkar a Manufacturing Engineering Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK, e-mail: bigots@cf.ac.uk b Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, e-mail: lat@fs.uni-lj.si c Corresponding author Abstract Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is an important process in the field of micro machining. However, a number of issues remain to be solved in order to successfully implement it in an industrial environment. One of these issues is the processing time. This paper investigates the optimisation of machining parameters for rough and fine machining in micro EDM. In one case, the parameters are selected to achieve the highest material removal rate (MRR). In the other case, the best surface roughness is targeted. Some of the main difficulties linked with micro EDM are caused by the high wear occurring on the electrode. The study focuses on a specific combination of electrode and workpiece material and proposes a typical method for micro EDM process optimisation. Keywords: micro EDM, micromachining, roughing, finishing, micro holes and cavities 1. Introduction Over the next four years, the Microsystems market, including Micro-Structure Technologies (MST) and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), is predicted to grow at a rate of 16% per year from $12 billion in 2004 to $25 billion in 2009 across a spectrum of 26 MEMS/MST products [1]. Conventional processes are increasingly being improved for use in micro- machining. The most common processes are micro milling, laser machining and more spec