Experimental Study on the Comparison between Network Microstructure Titanium Matrix Composites and Ti6Al4V on EDM
Leheng Zhang1, Yizhou Hu1, Sirui Gong1
1School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 25, 2024
Summary
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) of network microstructure titanium matrix composites (NMTMCs) requires careful parameter control. Optimizing machining energy enhances surface quality and minimizes defects like recast layers and microcracks in NMTMCs.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Manufacturing Processes
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Network microstructure titanium matrix composites (NMTMCs) offer superior properties but are difficult to machine.
- Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a preferred method for NMTMCs, yet it compromises surface quality and creates recast layers.
- Surface integrity is crucial for NMTMC performance in demanding applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the effects of EDM parameters on NMTMCs and Ti6Al4V.
- To investigate the influence of network reinforcement on EDM milling performance.
- To establish guidelines for optimizing surface quality and minimizing defects during NMTMC machining.
Main Methods:
- Comparative EDM milling experiments were performed on NMTMCs and Ti6Al4V.
- Key parameters investigated include discharge capacitance, charging current, and pulse interval.
- Surface roughness, recast layer thickness/uniformity, and microcrack density were quantitatively assessed.
Main Results:
- Machining energy significantly impacts workpiece surface quality in EDM.
- NMTMCs exhibit a higher melting point, causing reinforcement accumulation in low-energy EDM.
- Residual reinforcement affects recast layer thermal conductivity and uniformity, influencing surface integrity.
Conclusions:
- Optimized EDM parameters can significantly improve NMTMC surface quality.
- Achieved results include Ra 0.9 μm roughness, 6 μm average recast layer thickness, and 0.08 μm⁻¹ microcrack density.
- Guidelines are provided for enhanced NMTMC machining via EDM, balancing performance and processability.
