A study to improve the machining characteristics in Electrode Discharge Machining of Inconel 706 Super Alloys

Abstract

From the past decade, the utilization of Inconel (Nickel-based super alloy) has been increasing due to its outstanding mechanical properties like resistance to corrosion, high temperature strength etc. Inconel is widely used in hot section of gas turbines in aerospace industries like turbine blades, disk, combustors etc. Machining of Inconel using conventional method is very difficult due to quick work hardening which tends to deform either the work-piece or the cutting tool. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a non-traditional machining method used for machining Inconel in which material removal takes place due to electrical discharge between work-piece and tool. But low MRR and high TWR are the main challenges in this process while machining Inconel. The present article investigates the machining characteristics of EDM in order to improve the material removal rate under different machining conditions and to reduce tool wear rate using tool electrode treated with heat treatment process. From the investigational results, it was observed that improved MRR and reduced TWR were obtained when machined with heat treated tool electrode.