Trepanning of Al2O3 by electro-chemical discharge machining (ECDM) process using abrasive electrode with pulsed DC supply

Electro-chemical discharge machining (ECDM) of electrically non-conductive high-strength-high-temperature-resistant ceramics such as aluminium oxide (Al2O3) by trepanning method (i.e. orbital motion of tool) has shown the possibility of drilling large size holes by comparatively smaller electrodes efficiently and economically. However, at greater machined depth, the conventional electrode configurations and machining parameters show that machining performance gradually deteriorates with increase in tool depth and finally cause micro cracks on the machined surface due to thermal shocks at high voltage. To reduce this problem and to enhance the machining performance during trepanning operation of Al2O3, a spring fed cylindrical abrasive electrode of 1.5mm diameter has been used under the effect of the three most influential parameters, namely, pulsed DC supply voltage, duty factor and electrolyte conductivity, each at five different levels to assess the volume of material removed, machined depth and diameteral overcut. The results obtained from this study revealed that pulsed DC has reduced the tendency of cracking at high supply voltage compared to smooth DC and the machining ability of the abrasive electrode was better than copper electrode as it would enhance the cutting ability due to the presence of abrasive grains during machining. In addition to this, trepanning provides the scope for drilling bigger holes. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.