Article Abstract

	Title:	Micro-EDM process investigation of Si3N4–TiN ceramic composites for the development of micro-fuel-based power units
	Author:	Kun Liu, Eleonora Ferraris, Jan Peirs, Bert Lauwers, Dominiek Reynaerts
	Address:	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
	Journal:	International Journal of Manufacturing Research 2008 - Vol. 3, No.1  pp. 27 - 47
	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
		Purchase this Paper         Comment on the Paper