Development of optimum electrodischarge machining technology for advanced ceramics

In recent years, ceramic materials with improved properties have been developed to meet a large number of industrial applications. However, in most cases, the cost of the ceramic components is very high. On some occasions, the final machining of the component (especially if complex geometries are to be obtained) accounts for (in important percentage of the final cost. The electrodischarge machining process can be a good choice if the material has at least a minimum electrical conductivity, since it can produce vet), complex shapes and it is not dependent on the hardness or abrasiveness of the material itself. In this paper, the development of sinking and wire electrodischarge machining technology for two ceramics with a promising future (boron carbide and silicon infiltrated silicon carbide) is described. The high removal rates, as well as the possibility of obtaining an excellent surface finish, prove the feasibility of the industrial application of this production method.