EDM technology and strategy development for the manufacturing of complex parts in SiSiC

(BQ) ilicon infiltrated silicon carbide (SiSiC) is developed. The influences of the major operating EDM parameters (discharge current ie, open gap voltage ui, discharge duration te and pulse interval to) of the iso energetic generator on the machining performances like Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Wear Ratio (TWR) and surface roughness (Ra) are examined. Relaxation pulses which have lower energy input are also considered to improve the surface quality. Furthermore, the topography and surface integrity of the material after the EDM process are analysed to determine the corresponding material removal mechanism. With the developed machining strategy, a sample piece with designed features such as ribs, a deep cavity and chamfers are manufactured to examine the machining performances.