Effect of machining polarity on single discharge characteristics in micro-EDM

Abstract

In micro electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM), polarity effect is attributed to the difference in energy distribution into the anode and cathode. Understanding the effect of machining polarity on energy distribution bears significance in predicting and controlling machining performances. Single discharge experiments were conducted in this study, to explore single discharge characteristics. The plasma radius and energy distribution were calculated by combining the crater size and the electro-thermal model. The results show that the influence of discharge current on crater depth-to-diameter ratio (H/D) is not significant with positive polarity. The plasma radius, fraction of energy transferred to workpiece, and crater size are greater for micro-EDM with negative polarity than positive polarity.