Title: Study of the EDM process effects on aluminium alloys

Authors: L. Iuliano, M.G. Violante, A. Gatto, E. Bassoli

Addresses: Department of Production Systems and Business Economics, Polytecnique of Turin, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italia. ' Department of Production Systems and Business Economics, Polytecnique of Turin, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italia. ' Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vignolese 905, 41100 Modena, Italia. ' Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vignolese 905, 41100 Modena, Italia

Abstract: Till now aluminium moulds have been employed only for pre-production; with the alloys A12219 and A17050, which have outstanding properties, we can think about medium productions of plastic components obtained by injection moulding. To evaluate the machinability of these alloys and understand the correlations among process parameters, dimensional tolerances, surface finish and electrode wear, some tests have been made by Electro Discharge Machining. The electrodes and the machined surfaces have been also observed at OM, SEM to understand the EDM mechanisms. Comparison tests have also been done on A17075, commonly employment for pre-production moulds, to have precise control data.

Keywords: electro-discharge machining; EDM; electrical discharge machining; aluminium alloys; surface finish; machinability; process parameters; dimensional tolerances; electrode wear; aluminium moulds.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2008.017731

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.14 No.3/4, pp.326 - 341

Published online: 28 Mar 2008 *

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