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Electric Discharge Machining process is investigated both theoretically and experimentally to determine the effects of electrode materials on the machining performance. For this purpose a single and isolated spark is physically and mathematically modelled, and its three phases; viz., Breakdown, Discharge and Erosion are investigated. Resolidified electrode materials as suspended particles in the dielectric liquid are found to be the most significant factor in the breakdown phase. Mathematical expressions relating the time lags to particle concentration are given which can be used to determine the effects of particle concentration on the machining performance. Discharge properties are shown to be dependent on the discharge medium which includes vapours of the electrode materials. The polarity effect has been studied both theoretically and experimentally. Some qualitative explanation is given for the erosion phase. Importance of electrical forces is discussed and a simple mathematical expression is given for the erosion phase. It is concluded that optimum machining conditions can only be obtained by proper selection of the tool material, workpiece material and discharge medium since they affect the initiation and development of the discharge and erosion of electrode materials.

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The violent nature of the electric discharge machining (EDM) process leads to a unique structure on the surface of a machined part. In this study, the influence of electrode material and type of dielectric liquid on the surface integrity of plastic mold steel samples is investigated. The results have shown that regardless of the tool electrode and the dielectric liquid, the white layer is formed on machined surfaces. This layer is composed of cementite (Fe 3 C) and martensite distributed in retained austenite matrix forming dendritic structures, due to rapid solidification of the molten metal, if carbon-based dielectric liquid is used. The intensity of cracking increases at high pulse durations and low pulse currents. Cracks on the EDM surfaces have been found to follow the pitting arrangements with closed loops and to cross perpendicularly with radial cracks and continue to propagate when another discharge takes place in the neighborhood. The amount of retained austenite phase and the intensity of microcracks have found to be much less in the white layer of the samples machined in de-ionized water dielectric liquid. The number of globule appendages attached to the surface increased when a carbon-based tool electrode material or a dielectric liquid was used during machining.