Electrical Discharge Machining: Definition, Types, Parts, Working and More

Introduction-

Want to know about the Electrical discharge machining?

Then you landed in the right place. Here you will get complete details about the electro-discharge machining process, from scratch to end.

So, I invite you to come along the board and stay with me while I take you on the journey of knowledge, here at Engineers Rail.

So, Shall we start?

Wait, Before I start, Here I have a bonus for you, you can get a PDF and PPT to download of this whole article at the end.

So, let’s Start…

What is Electrical Discharge Machining?

Electric discharge machining is a non-conventional machining process that uses an electric spark to remove metal from the workpiece.

This process is done by applying high-frequency current through electrodes and a Workpiece emerging in the dielectric fluid.

It is also known as Spark erosion, Electro-erosion, or spark machining.

Electrical discharge machining(EDM) is used to machine very hard materials.

Working Principle of Electrical Discharge Machining-

Here is the working principle of EDM machining–

• EDM works on the principle of Heat energy generated by a spark, used to remove the material from the workpiece.
• The tool and workpiece are separated by a small gap called a spark gap. The gap is varied from 0.01mm to 0.5mm.
• When the supply is ON, thousands of sparks are produced per second.
• When the spark comes in contact with the dielectric fluid in the spark gap, the fluid gets ionized. It allows current to flow between the tool and the workpiece.

Types of Electrical Discharge Machining-

• Die sinking EDM process
• Wire cut EDM process
• Hole drilling EDM process

Die Sinking EDM process-

When two metal parts are placed in the dielectric fluid and connected to the source power supply, erosion of material takes place due to spark energy generated by electric tension between two metal parts, ie, anode and cathode. It is also known as the sinker EDM process.

In this case, the metal removal is affected by non-stationary electrical discharges which are separated from each other both spatially and temporarily.

Wire Cut EDM Process-

The fundamental principle of metal removal in wire electrical discharge machining is the same as EDM. It is also known as WEDM.

It employs electrical energy to remove metal from the workpiece without touching it.

The maximum depth of the workpiece is to be 90mm, the wire dia is to be 0.3mm and speed should be 2.5 to 150mm/sec.

Here in WEDM wire acts as a tool and EDM wire is made of copper or a mixture of copper graphite.

Hole Drilling EDM Process-

Here in hole drill EDM, High-pressure dielectric fluid enters through the rotating electrode to produce fast and accurate drills.

hole drill EDM is similar to die sink EDM, But there are a number of differences.

Hole drilling EDM is used to drill holes where difficult-to-machine materials are to drill.

To drill, different types of electrodes are used in different materials, from as small as 0.3mm diameter to 6mm diameter.

After knowing the types of EDM, Now let’s move to the various parts and construction of the EDM machines.

Parts of Electric discharge machining-

Here are the principal components of the EDM process-

• DC pulse generator
• workpiece and tool
• Servo control unit
• Pinion
• Dielectric Medium
• Dielectric fluid

DC pulse generator-

This converts the AC power supply into a high-pulse DC supply, which is responsible for generating a spark between the tool in the workpiece.

The negative terminal sets to the tool and the positive terminal is supplied to the workpiece.

Workpiece and tool-

Here workpiece acts as an Anode and the tool acts as a cathode.

Servo control unit-

A servo control unit controls the spark gap between the tool and the workpiece.

Pinion-

The pinion is used to control the motion of the tool directed by the servo control unit

Dielectric Medium-

The dielectric medium consists of dielectric fluid, fixture, and the workpiece itself.

Dielectric fluid-

It works to maintain the gap between the workpiece and the tool, acting as a non-conductor. Mostly, Deionized water, silicon oil, glycol, and kerosene oil are used as dielectric in ed machining.

Here is the explanation of the EDM process with a neat sketch-

Fig. electric discharge machining diagram-

Working of Electric Discharge Machining-

Here is a working explanation of the EDM Process, step by step-

• As the pulse of DC electricity reaches the electrode and applies an intense electrical field develops in the gap.
• Microscopic contaminants suspended in the dielectric fluid are attracted by the field contrasted in the field’s strongest point.
• These contaminants build a high conductive bridge across the gap.
• As the field’s voltage increases, the material of the conductive bridge heats up.
• Some pieces are ionized to form a spark channel between the electrode and the workpiece.
• At this point, Both the temperature and pressure in the channel rapidly increase, generating a spark.
• A small amount of material is melted and vaporized from the electrode and the workpiece at the point of spark contact.
• Hence, metal removal in electric discharge machining takes place through Spark erosion.

Here is the video guide to help you to see the actual workings of ‘electrical discharge machining edm’-

Are you there?

If so, then I am heading you to the Advantages, disadvantages, and applications of this electrical machining.

So, Let’s go…

Advantages-

Here are some advantages of edm electrical discharge machining–

• Fast Process
• Every conductive material can be machined by EDM.
• It is independent of the hardness of the workpiece, hence hardened workpiece can be machined easily
• Complex die sections and complex shapes can be produced accurately.
• EDM process is a burr-free process.
• The thin section can be easily machined without deforming the part.
• Fragile parts can also be machined.

Disadvantages-

Here are some disadvantages of EDM-

• Slow MRR
• Additional time and cost for creating electrodes for ram/sinker EDM.
• In this machining process, high tool wear occurs.
• High electricity consumption
• Square corners can not be formed.
• Tool wear limits the accuracy and surface finish of the material sometimes.
• Only a good conductor of electricity can be machined in electrical discharge machining.
• Edm is not suitable for machining non-conducting materials.

Applications-

• Prototype production
• Metal disintegration machining
• Coinage die making
• Textured surface finish
• Used to make small holes in nozzles.
• It is used to machine hard and brittle materials
• It is used to sharpen the tools and cutters.

After going through various topics above, let’s talk about the history EDM machine process.

History of Electric Discharge Machining–

In 1970, the English scientist, Priestley, first detected the erosive effect of electrical discharges on metals. More recently, during research, the soviet scientists, Lazarenko and Lazarenko, decided to exploit the destructive effect of an electrical discharge and develop a controlled method of metal machining.

In 1943, they announced the construction of the first Spark erosion machine.

The Spark generator used in 1943, known as the Lazarenko circuit, has been employed over many years in power supplies for EDM machines and an improved form is being used in many current applications.

Conclusion-

Electric discharge machining(EDM) is the removal of materials conducting electricity by an electrical discharge between two electrodes(Workpiece and tool), a dielectric fluid being used in the process.

The aim of this process is the controlled removal of material from the workpiece, As I have discussed in several topics above.

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Here are some more topics related to the machining process, You should Read also-

Electrochemical Machining

Water Jet Machining

Abrasive Jet Machining

Ultrasonic Machining

Difference Between Conventional and Non-Conventional Machining Processes

Electrical discharge machining ppt
Electrical discharge machining pdf

Before you go, Here are some Q&A sections, You should hang on there for sometimes-

FAQs–

Abhishek Tiwary

Abhishek Tiwary is a blogger by passion and a Quality Engineer by profession. He completed his B.Tech degree in the year 2017. Now working in a reputed firm. He loves to share his knowledge with others.