(BQ) Machining speed and surface integrity continue to be issues of focus in current wire EDM research. In this light, the proof-of-concept of a hybrid wire EDM process that utilizes a wire embedded with electrically non-conducting abrasives is presented. Material removal in this novel process is realized through electrical erosion that is augmented by two-body abrasion. This is shown to bring about a significant improvement in the removal rate and generate surfaces with minimal recast material, in comparison to an equivalent wire EDM process. Implementation details and process characteristics are discussed. | CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology 57 (2008) 195–198 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology journal homepage: Assessment of abrasion-assisted material removal in wire EDM I. Menzies, P. Koshy (2)* Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Canada L8S 4L7 A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Keywords: Abrasion Wire EDM Hybrid Machining Process Machining speed and surface integrity continue to be issues of focus in current wire EDM research. In this light, the proof-of-concept of a hybrid wire EDM process that utilizes a wire embedded with electrically non-conducting abrasives is presented. Material removal in this novel process is realized through electrical erosion that is augmented by two-body abrasion. This is shown to bring about a significant improvement in the removal rate and generate surfaces with minimal recast material, in comparison to an equivalent wire EDM process. Implementation details and process characteristics are discussed. ß 2008 CIRP. 1. Introduction Since its inception in the early seventies, concerted research efforts from industry and academia have elevated wire EDM (WEDM) performance to impressive levels in terms of machining speed, accuracy and machined surface integrity. These advances are primarily due to improvements relating to solid-state generator technology with anti-electrolysis and pulse shaping capabilities, various wire configurations and coatings, effective flushing techniques under submerged machining conditions, and advanced adaptive control strategies [1]. Current WEDM capability with reference to maximum workpiece height and taper, machining accuracy and surface finish are largely consistent with component requirements in typical applications appropriate to the process. Significant progress notwithstanding, it is desirable to improve the metallurgical quality of the machined .
