Effect of flushing and electrode material on die sinking EDM

The most important parameters of EDM are the removal rate, the electrode wear, accuracy and surface texture. In this paper the influence of electrode material, flushing, electrode dimension, depth of cut and planetary motion on EDM performance is discussed. An experimental analysis was carried out on a Cr, Mo, V steel for die casting by using both copper and graphite electrodes. Roughing and finishing operations were considered, by adopting for each condition the parameters commonly recommended in industrial production. The observed results show the importance of electrode material, injection flushing and geometry of cutting on removal rate, electrode wear and surface quality