Title: Machinability studies on laser-sintered iron-silicon carbide metal matrix composites using wire electrical discharge machining

Authors: C.K. Srinivasa; A.R. Vinod; P.V. Shashikumar

Addresses: Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 560 022, India. ' Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 560 022, India. ' Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 560 022, India

Abstract: This paper focuses on wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) of iron and iron-1, 2, 3 and 5 wt.% SiC composites produced by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process. Discharge currents of 9, 13 and 18 A were adopted during machining while the wire speed was maintained at 90 mm/min. Results have indicated that discharge current, laser scan speed and extent of silicon carbide content in the composites, had a greater influence on the machining time and surface roughness of the machined surface.

Keywords: wire EDM; electrical discharge machining; WEDM; direct metal laser sintering; DMLS; metal matrix composites; MMCs; rapid prototyping; electro-discharge machining; iron; silicon carbide; machinability; discharge current; laser scan speed; machining time; surface roughness.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2012.047638

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2012 Vol.43 No.1/2/3/4, pp.68 - 83

Received: 14 Feb 2011
Accepted: 27 Jun 2011
Published online: 17 Sep 2014 *

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