Title: Optimisation of wire electric discharge machining process: a review and reflection

Authors: Abhijit Saha; Subhas Chandra Mondal

Addresses: Department of Production Engineering, Haldia Institute of Technology, 721657 Haldia, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, 711103 Shibpur, India

Abstract: Wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) process is a potential electro-thermal non-conventional machining process which is useful for machining difficult-to-cut electrically conductive materials. In addition, the development of newer and more exotic materials has challenged the viability of the WEDM process in the future manufacturing environment. Hence, continuous improvement needs to be made to the current WEDM in order to extend the machining capability and increase the productivity and efficiency. Optimisation methods in machining processes, considered being a vital tool for continual improvement of output quality in products and processes. This paper presents a review of several modelling and optimisation techniques in wire electric discharge machining (WEDM). A generic framework for optimisation of process parameters in WEDM process is also suggested for the selection of appropriate WEDM process parameters and improvement of the process performance. The paper also discusses the future trend of research work in the same area.

Keywords: wire electric discharge machining; WEDM; process parameters' modelling; optimisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2017.087303

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2017 Vol.22 No.3, pp.340 - 362

Received: 13 May 2016
Accepted: 29 Aug 2016
Published online: 12 Oct 2017 *

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