Surface crack density and recast layer thickness analysis in WEDM process through response surface methodology

摘要

In this work, quantitative assessment of surface damage in terms of parameters like surface crack density and recast layer thickness in wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) process has been undertaken. The effect of processing conditions on crack formation is studied using scanning electron microscope. Surface crack density and recast layer thickness analysis in terms of machining parameters such as pulse on time, pulse off time, peak current, spark gap voltage significantly deteriorate the microstructure of machined samples, which produces the deeper, wider overlapping craters, pock marks, globules of debris and micro cracks. The microstructure analysis of WEDM surface was based upon the theory of electrical discharge phase and metallurgical physics. It is found that the pulse on time, pulse off time and peak current are the most dominating parameters for both surface crack density and recast layer thickness.