The influences of various mixed dielectric fluids on the performance electrical discharge machining of AISI D2 hardened steel

• Main Authors: Lajis, M.A., Hosni, N.A.J.
• Format: Article
• Published: Wiley 2018
• Subjects: TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery; TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
• Online Access: http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/5584/
• Institution: Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

This research mainly explores the influence of various mixed dielectric fluids on the performance of electrical discharge machining of AISI D2 hardened steels. In this investigation, four types of dielectric fluids such as pure kerosene, kerosene and chromium powder mixed, kerosene and Span-20 surfactant and the combination of kerosene with chromium powder and Span-20 surfactant were studied. The obtained results illustrated that the addition of chromium powder and Span-20 surfactant in the dielectric fluid obtained high material removal rate, low electrode wear rate and good surface finish. The presence of chromium powder will stabilize the gap distance between electrodes which promotes the occurrence of multiple discharges in one input pulse and particle agglomeration is reduced after Span-20 surfactant molecules cover the surface of debris and carbon dregs in kerosene solution. Combination of kerosene with chromium and Span-20 surfactant were found significant to improve the effects of carbon accumulation and drag discharge, and reduce unstable concentrated discharge.