INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRO DISCHARGE MACHINING OF TOOL STEELS BASED ON THE ROUGHNESS OF THE MACHINED SURFACES

Abstract

In electro discharge machining (EDM or spark erosion) the roughness of the machined surface plays a very important role in the applicability of the process. This paper deals with a comparative study of the electro discharge machining of tool steels based on the roughness characteristics of the machined surfaces. Another aim of the research is to investigate which tool materials (electrode material, copper, or graphite) are most effective to achieve the best possible surface microgeometry. Based on the data of the performed cutting experiments and the subsequent measurements, conclusions will be drawn regarding the machinability of the tested tool steels and the applicability of the electrode materials used.