Title: Micro-EDM process investigation of Si₃N₄–TiN ceramic composites for the development of micro-fuel-based power units

Authors: Kun Liu, Eleonora Ferraris, Jan Peirs, Bert Lauwers, Dominiek Reynaerts

Addresses: Division PMA, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300B, BE-3001, Leuven, Belgium. ' Division PMA, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300B, BE-3001, Leuven, Belgium. ' Division PMA, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300B, BE-3001, Leuven, Belgium. ' Division PMA, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300B, BE-3001, Leuven, Belgium. ' Division PMA, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300B, BE-3001, Leuven, Belgium

Abstract: In this paper, the micro-machining of Si₃N₄–TiN ceramic composite by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is investigated. This material is selected based on the final objective of developing ultra-miniature gas-turbine impellers which have a diameter of 20 mm. In order to satisfy the requirements on machining quality and precision, the influences of the process parameters are studied and analysed. Machining performances are evaluated on the tool electrode wear ratio, the Material Removal Rate (MRR), the machining accuracy and the quality of the machined surface. The use of alternative post-processing techniques to achieve the required surface integrity is then discussed.

Keywords: micro EDM; ceramic composites; Si₃N₄–TiN; PowerMEMS; miniature gas turbine impellers; electro-discharge machining; electrical discharge machining; micromachining; surface integrity; tool wear; electrode wear; material removal rate; MRR; machining accuracy; surface quality; micro gas turbines; micro power units.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2008.016451

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2008 Vol.3 No.1, pp.27 - 47

Published online: 29 Dec 2007 *

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