Influence of Silicon Content in Al-XSi-Y Alloys on Surface Quality after EDM (Electro-Discharge Machining)

摘要

The research was aimed at ascertaining the feasibility of applying die-sinking electro-discharge machining (EDM) to machine Al-XSi-Y alloys with different silicon contents (6, 20, 30 and 40%). The machinability in terms of material removal rate V_w, roughness R_a, macro- and micro-changes at the surface layer was investigated and the influence of silicon content on the machinability determined. Results demonstrate that EDM is a viable machining method and can be successfully applied to these alloys. A high quality surface finish can be obtained and the achievable roughness is lower than 2μm.