Evaluation of the characteristics of the microelectrical discharge machining process using response surface methodology based on the central composite design

Abstract

Evaluation of the characteristics of a microelectrical discharge machining (Micro-EDM) process is challenging, because it involves complex, interrelated relationships so a proper modeling approach is necessary to clearly identify the crucial machining variables and their interrelationships in order to initiate more effective strategies to improve Micro-EDM qualities (electrode wear (EW), material removal rate (MRR) and overcut). This paper uses a response surface method (RSM) based on the central composite design (CCD) for Micro-EDM problems with four EDM variables (peak current, pulse on-time, pulse off-time and electrode rotation speed). Experimental results indicate that peak current is the EDM variable that most affects the Micro-EDM qualities for SK3 carbon tool steel while pulse off-time had a significant interaction with that. The results show that RSM based on the CCD could efficiently be applied for the modeling of Micro-EDM qualities (EW, MRR, and overcut), and it is an economical way to obtain the performance characteristics of Micro-EDM process parameters with the fewest experimental data.