Title: Study of WEDM parameter phenomena for microfabrication

Authors: Sadiq M. Alam, Mustafizur Rahman, H.S. Lim

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge Crescent Road, 119260 Singapore. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge Crescent Road, 119260 Singapore. ' Mikrotools Pte Ltd., 8 Prince George's Park, 118407 Singapore

Abstract: Microfabrication technology is perceived by many as the critical requirement for the future technological development in manufacturing industry. Among many technologies utilised in microfabrication micro- Electro Discharge Machining (EDM) holds great prospect which is yet to be explored completely. Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) is one of the variants of EDM technology that can be very well adapted for the microfabrication applications. Attempts have been made to identify the major issues of micro-WEDM technology and how they can be addressed for efficient microfabrication applications. Effect of the parameter on the existing challenges of micro-WEDM for microfabrication are studied and discussed. This paper explores the critical requirement areas in microfabrication. It is found that improving the gap width, efficient removal of debris produced during machining are the major challenges which if improved can greatly contribute to microfabrication technology.

Keywords: wire EDM; electro-discharge machining; micro EDM; electrical discharge machining; micromachining; microfabrication; parameter study.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2008.016773

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.13 No.2/3/4, pp.226 - 240

Published online: 22 Jan 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article