Effect Of EDM Die Sinking Parameters On The Material Characteristics Of Aluminium Alloy LM6 Using Graphite Electrode.

EFFECT OF EDM DIE SINKING PARAMETERS ON THE

MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ALUMINIUM

ALLOY LM6 USING GRAPHITE ELECTRODE

NOR ATIQAH BINTI JAAFAR SIDEK

B050910068

UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA 2013

UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA

EFFECT OF EDM DIE SINKING PARAMETERS ON THE

MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ALUMINIUM ALLOY

LM6 USING GRAPHITE ELECTRODE

This report submitted in accordance with the requirement of the Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) for the Bachelor Degree of Manufacturing

Engineering

(Manufacturing Process)(Hons.)

by

NOR ATIQAH BINTI JAAFAR SIDEK B050910068

890815-05-5406

FACULTY OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING 2013

UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA

BORANG PENGESAHAN STATUS LAPORAN PROJEK SARJANA MUDA

TAJUK: Effect of EDM Die Sinking Parameters on the Material Characteristics of Aluminium Alloy Lm6 Using Graphite Electrode

SESI PENGAJIAN: 2012/ 2013 Sem 2

Saya NOR ATIQAH BINTI JAAFAR SIDEK

mengaku membenarkan Laporan PSM ini disimpan di Perpustakaan Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) dengan syarat-syarat kegunaan seperti berikut: 1. Laporan PSM adalah hak milik Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka dan penulis. 2. Perpustakaan Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka dibenarkan membuat salinan

untuk tujuan pengajian sahaja dengan izin penulis.

3. Perpustakaan dibenarkan membuat salinan laporan PSM ini sebagai bahan pertukaran antara institusi pengajian tinggi.

4. **Sila tandakan (√) SULIT

TERHAD

TIDAK TERHAD

(Mengandungi maklumat yang berdarjah keselamatan atau kepentingan Malaysiasebagaimana yang termaktub dalam AKTA RAHSIA RASMI 1972)

(Mengandungi maklumat TERHAD yang telah ditentukan oleh organisasi/badan di mana penyelidikan dijalankan)

Alamat Tetap:

Lot 172, Kg. Bagan Pinang, 71000 Port Dickson,

Negeri Sembilan.

Tarikh: _________________________

Disahkan oleh:

Cop Rasmi:

Tarikh: _______________________ ** Jika Laporan PSM ini SULIT atau TERHAD, sila lampirkan surat daripada pihak berkuasa/organisasi berkenaan dengan menyatakan sekali sebab dan tempoh laporan PSM ini perlu dikelaskan sebagai SULIT atau TERHAD.

DECLARATION

I hereby, declared this report entitled “Effect of EDM Die Sinking Parameters on the Material Characteristics of Aluminium Alloy LM6 Using Graphite Electrode” is the result of my own research except as cited in the references.

Signature : ...

Author’s name : NOR ATIQAH BINTI JAAFAR SIDEK

APPROVAL

This report is submitted to the faculty of Manufacturing Engineering of UTeM as a partial fulfilment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering (Engineering Process). The member of the supervisory committee is as follow:

i

ABSTRAK

EDM die sinking ialah proses yang digunakan untuk menjalankan pemotongan lubang yang bersaiz mikro dan dalam, serta bahan yang keras dengan ukuran yang mempunyai kejituan yang tinggi. Dalam kajian ini, objektif utama adalah untuk mendapatkan parameter yang optimum bagi proses EDM die sinking iaitu merangkumi, peak current (Ip), machining voltage (V), pulse on-time (TOn) dan juga pulse off-time (TOff) yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan material removal rate (MRR), mengurangkan electrode wear rate (EWR) dan surface roughness (Ra). Selain daripada itu, tujuan kajian ini juga untuk mengkaji pembentukkan kawah pada permukaan bahan kerja. Mesin EDM dengan model SODICK (AQ35L) digunakan dalam kajian ini, manakala analytical balance (METTLER TOLEDO) digunakan untuk menimbang bahan kerja dan juga elektrod. Nilai MRR dan EWR dikira selepas menjalankan ujikaji. Bahan grafit digunakan sebagai elektrod yang berfungsi untuk memesin Aluminium Alloy LM6, yang merupakan komposit bagi aluminium silicon alloy. Dalam design of experiment (DOE), kaedah Taguchi telah di aplikasikan dengan menggunakan ketiga-tiga tahap iaitu tahap tertinggi; +1, sederhana; 0 dan terendah; -1. Tambahan pula, terdapat 9 ujikaji yang dijalankan dengan mengulanginya sebanyak tiga kali. Daripada, keputusan yang diperolehi daripada S/N ratio, nilai MRR yang maksima adalah 0.694841g/s. Nilai EWR dan Ra yang diperolehi adalah 0.000065g/s dan 2.52μm. Manakala, hasil dapatan yang diperolehi daripada Analysis of variance (ANOVA) ialah Ip adalah parameter yang paling mempengaruhi dalam ujikaji ini; MRR (58.57%), EWR (55.57%) dan Ra (97.56%). Oleh itu, nilai peak current yang tinggi akan menghasilkan nilai MRR yang tinggi dan surface roughness yang rendah akan terhasil jika nilai peak current juga rendah. Apabila menggunakan grafit sebagai electtrode ia menyebabkan nilai EWR meningkat.

ii

ABSTRACT

EDM die sinking is a widespread process which works very effectively in the machining of micro holes, deep holes and harder material with high dimension accuracy. In this study, the objective is to optimize the machining parameters of the EDM process including peak current (Ip), machining voltage (V), pulse on-time (TOn) and pulse off-time (TOff) for increasing the material removal rate (MRR), reducing the electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (Ra) and finally investigating the craters of the workpiece. EDM machine model SODICK (AQ35L) was used in this project and the weight of the workpiece and electrode was measured using the analytical balance (METTLER TOLEDO). The MRR and EWR were calculated after experimental work. Graphite was used as an electrode to machine the Aluminium Alloy LM6, which is a composite of aluminium silicon alloy. Design of experiment (DOE), using Taguchi method has been applied in this project at three levels (high; +1, medium; 0 and low; -1) and there are 9 experiments were done with three repetitions. From the result of S/N ratio, the maximum MRR is 0.694841g/s. The lower EWR and Ra is 0.000065g/s and

2.52μm. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results shows that Ip is the most

significant parameter for this experiment. The results is MRR with 58.57% folowed by EWR with 55.57% and Ra with 97.56%. Thus, higher peak current produced higher MRR and surface roughness is low if the peak current also in low value. In terms of EWR in EDM, when using graphite as an electrode, it will increase the EWR.

iii

DEDICATION

For my beloved mother, father and sisters, their endless support in term of motivation, support and caring as well throughout the whole project.

iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Bismillahirrahmannirahim,

Alhamdulillah, a very grateful to ALLAH S.W.T in every way giving me the will and strength to complete this research. I would like to express my highest appreciation to my supportive supervisor , Dr. Mohd Amran bin Md Ali, whose help and give a good advice and suggestion.

I would like to thank to the all technical staffs of Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering at University Technical Malaysia Melaka for their cooperation and giving me some useful ideas.

Next, I would like to express my special thanks to my beloved family members and friends who continue giving me encouragement and patience.

Last but not least, thanks alot for those who have directly or indirectly contributed towards completing this research.

v

TABLE OF CONTENT

Abstrak i

Abstract ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Content v

List of Tables ix

List of Figures xi

List Abbreviations, Symbols and Nomenclatures xiii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background 1

1.2 Problem Statement 3

1.3 Objectives 3

1.4 Scopes 4

1.5 Outlines 4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 6

2.1 EDM Machining Operations 6

2.1.1 Types of EDM Machine 8

2.1.2 EDM Die Sinking 10

2.2 EDM Machining Parameters 12

2.2.1 Peak Current (Ip) 13

2.2.2 Machining Voltage (V) 14

2.2.3 Pulse ON Time (toff) 14

2.2.4 Pulse OFF Time (ton) 15

2.3 EDM Characteristics 15

vi

2.3.2 Electrode Wear (EWR) 16

2.3.3 Surface Roughness (Ra) 16

2.3.4 Texture and Cracking of Craters 16

2.4 Types of Electrode 17

2.4.1 Graphite Electrode 18

2.5 Material Workpiece 19

2.5.1 Aluminium Alloy LM6 (Al-Sil2) 19

2.6 Measuring Equipments 20

2.6.1 Surface roughness measurement 20

2.6.2 Crater Observation Equipment 20

2.6.3 Evaluation of EWR and MRR 21

2.7 Design of Experiment (DOE) 21

2.7.1 Taguchi Method 21

2.7.2 S/N Ratio 23

2.7.3 Response to S/N Ratio 23

2.7.4 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) 24

2.8 Summary 25

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 26

3.1 Introduction 26

3.2 Flow Chart 27

3.3 Specimens Preparation 28

3.4 Electrode Preparation 28

3.5 Machines and Measurements Equipments 29

3.5.1 EDM Wire Cut Machine 29

3.5.2 EDM Die Sinking Machine 30

3.5.3 Surface Roughness Measurement 30

3.5.4 Optical Microscope 31

3.5.5 Analytical Balances 31

vii

3.7 Experimental Setup 33

3.8 Design of Experiment (DOE) 34

3.8.1 Taguchi Method Using Minitab Software Version 16 34

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS & DISCUSSION 37

4.1 Experimental Data 37

4.2 Results of the Experiment 39

4.3 Analysis of the Results 41

4.4 Analysis Results of Material Removal Rate (MRR) 41

4.4.1 S/N Response of MRR 41

4.4.2 S/N Response Plot of MRR 43

4.4.3 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for MRR 45

4.4.4 Validation of Parameters for MRR 46

4.5 Analysis Results of Electrode Wear Rate (EWR) 47

4.5.1 S/N Response of EWR 47

4.5.2 S/N Response Plot of EWR 49

4.5.3 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for EWR 50

4.5.4 Validation of Parameters for EWR 51

4.6 Analysis Results of Surface Roughness (Ra) 52

4.6.1 S/N Response of Ra 52

4.6.2 S/N Response Plot of Ra 54

4.6.3 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for Ra 56

4.6.4 Validation of Parameters for Ra 57

4.7 Surface Craters Observation 58

4.7.1 The Smallest Craters Diameter 58

4.7.2 The Biggest Craters Diameter 59

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS 61

5.1 Conclusion 61

viii

REFERENCES 63

APPENDIXES

A Gantt chart PSM 1 B Gantt chart PSM 2 C Material specifications

D Surface roughness (Ra) of workpiece for each experiment E Surface roughness (Ra) of workpiece for validation test F Respon table for S/N Ratio of MRR, EWR and Ra G Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for MRR

H Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for EWR I Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for Ra

ix

LIST OF TABLES

2.1 Physical properties of common electrode material. 18

3.1 Chemical composition of Al 6061-T6. 28

3.2 Machining parameters involved in this study. 32

3.3 Machining parameter of this project. 32

3.4 The test run parameter. 35

3.5 Respond table of surface roughness, Ra. 36

4.1 Input parameters and level for EDM die sinking of Aluminium Alloy LM6.

38

4.2 Experimental plan for EDM die sinking of Aluminium Alloy LM6. 38 4.3 Results of experimental material MRR, EWR and Ra. 40 4.4 Design of experiments and experimental results for MRR

and calculated S/N ratio.

42

4.5 Average S/N Ratio and Main Effect of material removal rate (MRR). 43 4.6 Optimum parametric combination for material removal rate (MRR). 44 4.7 One-way ANOVA for material removal rate (MRR). 46 4.8 The comparison between higher experimental MRR and optimize

MRR.

47

4.9 Design of experiments and experimental results for EWR and calculated S/N ratio.

x

4.10 Average S/N Ratio and Main Effect of electrode wear rate (EWR). 49 4.11 Optimum parametric combination for electrode wear rate (EWR). 50 4.12 One-way ANOVA for electrode wear rate (EWR). 51 4.13 The comparison between higher experimental EWR and optimize

EWR.

52

4.14 Design of experiments and experimental results for Ra and calculated S/N ratio.

53

4.15 Average S/N Ratio and Main Effect of surface roughness (Ra). 54 4.16 Optimum parametric combination for surface roughness (Ra). 55

4.17 One-way ANOVA for surface roughness (Ra). 56

xiii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, SYMBOLS AND

NOMENCLATURE

Al - Aluminium

Al-Sil2 - Aluminium Alloy LM6

ANOVA - Analysis of Variance

CNC - Computer Numerical Coordinate

Cu - Cuprum

DC - Direct Current

DOE - Design of Experiment

EDM - Electrical Discharge Machining

EWR - Electrode Wear Rate

EWRAVG - Average of Electrode Wear Rate

Fe - Ferum

Fi - Ratio of the mean square error to the residual error

îe - Discharge current

Ip - Peak current

L - Low

M - Medium

Mg - Magnesium

Mn - Manganese

MRR - Material Removal Rate

MRRAVG - Average of Material Removal Rate

n - The number of experiments in orthogonal array

Ni - Nickel

OA - Orthogonal Array

P - Percentage contribution

Pb - Lead

R-Sq - R Square

R-Sq (adj) - R Square Adjusted

Ra - Surface Roughness

xiv

RC - Remote Control

Si - Silicon

S/N - Signal-to-Noise

SNRA - Signal Noise Ratio Average SSd - Sum of the squared deviations SST - Total sum of squared deviations

t - Machining time

td - Delay time

te - Period of time

ti - Pulse duration

Ti - Titanium

to - Interval time

toff - Pulse off time

ton - Pulse on time

tp - Pulse cycle time

ûi - Open circuit voltage

ue - Discharge voltage

Vi - Variance of ith experiments

Vo - Open circuit voltage

Vw - Working voltage

Wta - Weight of the electrode after machining Wtb - Weight of the electrode before machining. Wja - Weight of workpiece after machining

Wjb - Weight of workpiece before machining

Zn - Zinc

τ - Duty factor

•C - Degree Celsius

ρ Density of Aluminum Alloy 6 Series

μs - microsecond

-ve - Negative

% - Percentage

1

This part of the report, present the background of the project. The introduction acts as a frame for the body, which the problem statement, objective and scope included here. Background of the study describe generally about EDM die sinking. Besides that, the outlines prepared to ensure the ordering of project development.

1.1 Background

EDM die sinking is an electro-thermal non-traditional machining process, where electrical energy is used to remove metal by means of electric spark erosion. In this process an electric spark is used as cutting tool to cut or erode the workpiece and produce the desired shape. EDM has been widely applied in modern industry for producing complex cavities in moulds and dies which are difficult to manufacture by conventional machining (Prabu et al., 2009).

The types of material used in electrical discharge machining (EDM) are limited to the conductive materials such as: metal, metallic alloys, graphite, or even some ceramic materials (Khairul, 2008). Since the EDM die sinking process does not involve mechanical energy, the machining ability is not affected by hardness, strengths or toughness of the workpiece material. Therefore, a comprehensive study of the effect of EDM parameters such as peak current, machining voltage, pulse duration and interval time should be done.

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

2

On the machining characteristics such as an electrode wear rate (EWR), material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra) is greatly significant and could be of necessity (Amri et al., 2009). There are so many research conducted to study the effect of EDM parameter to the workpiece. The study conducted was to obtain the optimum parameter in the EDM process in order to produce parts with very minimal defects. This project will study and do analysis of surface roughness (Ra), material removing rate (MRR), electrode wear (EWR) and cracking of the crater via workpiece (Aluminum Alloy LM6) for the EDM die sinking machine.

The output variable depends on the accuracy of the electrode and if the correct current is used, very fine finish can be obtained. When high current applied, its produce large sparks and makes large work piece craters. If low current applied, a small sparks are produced which create small craters. The sparks in this process erode away the electrode, thus changing its parameters and adversely affecting the shape produced and its dimensional accuracy.

Taguchi design using a design of experiment (DOE) was used. Using this approach, the significant factors of MRR, EWR, Ra and their associated levels on each response were determined by ANOVA analyses. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio were performed and calculated, respectively. The important control parameters were the following: peak current, voltage, pulse off-time, and pulse on-time. The experimental workpiece was composed of conductive material were used.

3

1.2 Problem Statement

EDM die sinking is a machining method primarily used for hard metals or those that would be very difficult to machine (small hole, sharp edge, deep slot, etc.) with traditional techniques. EDM die sinking typically works with materials that are electrically conductive. There is a need to understand the important parameters that greatly influence the surface integrity when using EDM die sinking. It was noticed that various machining parameters influenced material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (Ra) and setting possible combination of those parameters was difficult to produce optimum surface quality. Thus, the need the best setting of EDM dies sinking parameters in machining Aluminum Alloy LM6 using a graphite electrode is necessary to get the better EDM die sinking characteristics of MRR, EWR and Ra. Design of experiments (DOE) will be implemented in order to obtain the optimum parameters.

1.3 Objectives

The objectives of this study are:

a) To study the effect of machining parameters such as pulse on-time, pulse-off time, voltage and current on the EDM die sinking characteristics of Aluminium Alloy LM6.

b) To evaluate the machining characteristics of Aluminium Alloy LM6 on the material removing rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR), surface roughness (Ra) and appearance observation.

c) To optimize the machining characteristics using Taguchi methods and analysis of percentage contribution using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

4

1.4 Scopes

The experiment is conducted by using the EDM die sinking. The type of raw material used is Aluminum Alloy LM6, 10 mm in thickness. There are some parameters that selected which are really affecting the surface texture of Aluminum Alloy LM6 after the machining done. They are pulsed on time (TOn), pulsed off time (TOff), peak current (Ip) and machining voltage (V).

In this project, various EDM machining characterization techniques will be conducted to understand the effect of machine parameters on the material properties. Design of experiment (DOE) is implemented as it is one of the experimental methods. Once the machining process on EDM die sinking is finished, amount of electrode material removal rate (EWR), surface roughness (Ra) and amount of workpiece material removal rate (MRR) are evaluated.

1.5 Outlines

This report is divided into six chapters. Chapter one consists of the background of the project, problem statements, objectives of the project and the scopes of the project. In this chapter, it is expressed about the background of EDM die sinking application till the problems occur in it and the research conducted in obtaining the optimum parameter in EDM die sinking. Section number two is chapter two.

Chapter two consists of a literature review of the project. The literature review is an evaluation, integrating the previous research together, and explaining on how it integrates into the proposed research program. In the literature review, the main points that have been stated are four major points.

The third chapter is methodology. There are four steps expressed in methodology. The first step is to determine the number of specimens or experiments should be conducted by applying the Taguchi method. The second step is to prepare the

5

specimens into a certain dimension using lathe machine and EDM wire cut. Fourth step is the experimental procedure in EDM die sinking cutting process which is stated all the parameters in EDM process and the last step is to observe the machined specimens, collect the related data and do the result analysis.

Next, chapter four consists of results, analysis of experiments and discussion. Results of material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (Ra) are analyzed by Minitab Software Version 16 using Taguchi method. The analysis of percentage contribution for each output factor are analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Lastly, chapter five consists of conclusion and recommendation suggested. The findings in effect of machining parameters, machining characteristics on the output parameters and optimizing the machining characteristics are concluded. Some recommendations are proposed for further investigation in effect of EDM die sinking parameters on the material characteristics of Aluminium Alloy LM6 using graphite electrode.

6

Literature review is one of the scope studies. It will give part in order to get the information about EDM die sinking. Research journals, books, printed or online conference article were the main source in the project guides. This part includes the machining operation, parameters, characteristics measuring equipments and others. Literature review section work as references, to give the information and guidance.

2.1 EDM Machining Operations

EDM is the thermal erosion process in which metal is removed by a series of recurring electrical discharges between a cutting tool acting as an electrode and a conductive workpiece, in the presence of a dielectric fluid. EDM are different from most chip-making machining operation which the electrode does not make physical contact with the workpiece for material removal. Figure 2.1 illustrates the basic components of the EDM process.

Since, the electrode does not make any contact with the workpiece, EDM has no tool force. The electrode must always be spaced away from the workpiece by the distance required for sparking, known as the sparking gap (Jameson, 2001). This discharge occurs in a sparking gap between the electrode and workpiece. Heat from the discharge vaporizes minute particles of the workpiece material, which are then washed from the gap by the continuously flushing dielectric fluid.

LITERATURE REVIEW

CHAPTER 2

1

This part of the report, present the background of the project. The introduction acts as a frame for the body, which the problem statement, objective and scope included here. Background of the study describe generally about EDM die sinking. Besides that, the outlines prepared to ensure the ordering of project development.

1.1 Background

EDM die sinking is an electro-thermal non-traditional machining process, where electrical energy is used to remove metal by means of electric spark erosion. In this process an electric spark is used as cutting tool to cut or erode the workpiece and produce the desired shape. EDM has been widely applied in modern industry for producing complex cavities in moulds and dies which are difficult to manufacture by conventional machining (Prabu et al., 2009).

The types of material used in electrical discharge machining (EDM) are limited to the conductive materials such as: metal, metallic alloys, graphite, or even some ceramic materials (Khairul, 2008). Since the EDM die sinking process does not involve mechanical energy, the machining ability is not affected by hardness, strengths or toughness of the workpiece material. Therefore, a comprehensive study of the effect of EDM parameters such as peak current, machining voltage, pulse duration and interval time should be done.

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

2

On the machining characteristics such as an electrode wear rate (EWR), material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra) is greatly significant and could be of necessity (Amri et al., 2009). There are so many research conducted to study the effect of EDM parameter to the workpiece. The study conducted was to obtain the optimum parameter in the EDM process in order to produce parts with very minimal defects. This project will study and do analysis of surface roughness (Ra), material removing rate (MRR), electrode wear (EWR) and cracking of the crater via workpiece (Aluminum Alloy LM6) for the EDM die sinking machine.

The output variable depends on the accuracy of the electrode and if the correct current is used, very fine finish can be obtained. When high current applied, its produce large sparks and makes large work piece craters. If low current applied, a small sparks are produced which create small craters. The sparks in this process erode away the electrode, thus changing its parameters and adversely affecting the shape produced and its dimensional accuracy.

Taguchi design using a design of experiment (DOE) was used. Using this approach, the significant factors of MRR, EWR, Ra and their associated levels on each response were determined by ANOVA analyses. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio were performed and calculated, respectively. The important control parameters were the following: peak current, voltage, pulse off-time, and pulse on-time. The experimental workpiece was composed of conductive material were used.

3 1.2 Problem Statement

EDM die sinking is a machining method primarily used for hard metals or those that would be very difficult to machine (small hole, sharp edge, deep slot, etc.) with traditional techniques. EDM die sinking typically works with materials that are electrically conductive. There is a need to understand the important parameters that greatly influence the surface integrity when using EDM die sinking. It was noticed that various machining parameters influenced material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (Ra) and setting possible combination of those parameters was difficult to produce optimum surface quality. Thus, the need the best setting of EDM dies sinking parameters in machining Aluminum Alloy LM6 using a graphite electrode is necessary to get the better EDM die sinking characteristics of MRR, EWR and Ra. Design of experiments (DOE) will be implemented in order to obtain the optimum parameters.

1.3 Objectives

The objectives of this study are:

a) To study the effect of machining parameters such as pulse on-time, pulse-off time, voltage and current on the EDM die sinking characteristics of Aluminium Alloy LM6.

b) To evaluate the machining characteristics of Aluminium Alloy LM6 on the material removing rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR), surface roughness (Ra) and appearance observation.

c) To optimize the machining characteristics using Taguchi methods and analysis of percentage contribution using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

4 1.4 Scopes

The experiment is conducted by using the EDM die sinking. The type of raw material used is Aluminum Alloy LM6, 10 mm in thickness. There are some parameters that selected which are really affecting the surface texture of Aluminum Alloy LM6 after the machining done. They are pulsed on time (TOn), pulsed off time (TOff), peak current (Ip) and machining voltage (V).

In this project, various EDM machining characterization techniques will be conducted to understand the effect of machine parameters on the material properties. Design of experiment (DOE) is implemented as it is one of the experimental methods. Once the machining process on EDM die sinking is finished, amount of electrode material removal rate (EWR), surface roughness (Ra) and amount of workpiece material removal rate (MRR) are evaluated.

1.5 Outlines

This report is divided into six chapters. Chapter one consists of the background of the project, problem statements, objectives of the project and the scopes of the project. In this chapter, it is expressed about the background of EDM die sinking application till the problems occur in it and the research conducted in obtaining the optimum parameter in EDM die sinking. Section number two is chapter two.

Chapter two consists of a literature review of the project. The literature review is an evaluation, integrating the previous research together, and explaining on how it integrates into the proposed research program. In the literature review, the main points that have been stated are four major points.

The third chapter is methodology. There are four steps expressed in methodology. The first step is to determine the number of specimens or experiments should be conducted by applying the Taguchi method. The second step is to prepare the

5

specimens into a certain dimension using lathe machine and EDM wire cut. Fourth step is the experimental procedure in EDM die sinking cutting process which is stated all the parameters in EDM process and the last step is to observe the machined specimens, collect the related data and do the result analysis.

Next, chapter four consists of results, analysis of experiments and discussion. Results of material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (Ra) are analyzed by Minitab Software Version 16 using Taguchi method. The analysis of percentage contribution for each output factor are analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Lastly, chapter five consists of conclusion and recommendation suggested. The findings in effect of machining parameters, machining characteristics on the output parameters and optimizing the machining characteristics are concluded. Some recommendations are proposed for further investigation in effect of EDM die sinking parameters on the material characteristics of Aluminium Alloy LM6 using graphite electrode.

6

Literature review is one of the scope studies. It will give part in order to get the information about EDM die sinking. Research journals, books, printed or online conference article were the main source in the project guides. This part includes the machining operation, parameters, characteristics measuring equipments and others. Literature review section work as references, to give the information and guidance.

2.1 EDM Machining Operations

EDM is the thermal erosion process in which metal is removed by a series of recurring electrical discharges between a cutting tool acting as an electrode and a conductive workpiece, in the presence of a dielectric fluid. EDM are different from most chip-making machining operation which the electrode does not make physical contact with the workpiece for material removal. Figure 2.1 illustrates the basic components of the EDM process.

Since, the electrode does not make any contact with the workpiece, EDM has no tool force. The electrode must always be spaced away from the workpiece by the distance required for sparking, known as the sparking gap (Jameson, 2001). This discharge occurs in a sparking gap between the electrode and workpiece. Heat from the discharge vaporizes minute particles of the workpiece material, which are then washed from the gap by the continuously flushing dielectric fluid.

LITERATURE REVIEW

CHAPTER 2