A comparison of a theoretical EDM model with experimental results of titanium alloy (TI-6Al-4V)

• Main Author: Ong, Pei Ling
• Other Authors: Yeo Swee Hock
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60233
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In this study, an experimental work has been carried out using a convention die-sinking electrical discharge machine (EDM) of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) as the cathodic material was performed to obtain a set of experimental data for comparison with the electro-thermal modeling concept developed by Dibitonto. Dibitonto’s Model was found to be the most appropriate model in providing the initial approximation of the real conventional EDM process. The assumed fraction of energy of 0.18 in this model is able to predict the dimensional geometry and erosion rate of the process with a good accuracy. A set of theoretical results are generated based on the Dibitonto’s Model using the input parameters obtained from the experiment work in this project. The calculated theoretical and experimental results are analyzed in terms of cater size and material removal rate (MRR) on the cathodic material. A comparative analysis between the theoretical and experimental results showed similarities in the trend produced with respect to the discharge energy. This observation has gained further support by other studies, thus justify that Dibitonto’s Model is able to be used to obtain an initial approximation of the real conventional EDM process. This project also analyzed the optimum pulse time factor (g) and erodibility (j) of the Ti-6Al-4V shows that it has a high erosion rate than steel with its ability to work efficiently in low current and high pulse time condition.