Development of the Technology for Manufacturing a Combination EDM Electrode by Rapid Prototyping

Abstract

Purpose of research is to develop a methodology that allows designing EDM electrodes applying advanced computer-aided design (CAD) systems by forming the tool’s working surface with geometry which is inverse equidistant to the geometry of a given workpiece taking into account the EDM gap, working translation or translation-rotational motion of EDM electrodes, the value of the layer of conductive coating based on the technological parameters of the processing procedure. It is also necessary to propose, implement and formulate technological guidelines for manufacturing EDM electrodes from dielectric materials by additive techniques with the subsequent formation of a conductive layer on them; the value of the layer should ensure the flow of working electrical processes in the EDM gap and the necessary tool life. This will make it possible to expand the scope of application of combination EDM electrodes as applied to combined processing techniques which are characterized by a wide variety of working surface shapes, which correspond to the geometry of the workpiece, which is not limited by the degree of curvature, has by far lower cost and high processability when creating a special tool for pilot and single manufacturing.Methods. When carrying out the work, theory of the classical laws of mechanical engineering technology, electrical processing techniques, the known laws of rapid prototyping and additive technologies were used.Results. The theoretical foundations and the technology for manufacturing combination EDM electrodes by rapid prototyping have been developed and a methodology for calculating and designing the working part of EDM electrodes has been proposed taking into account the geometric parameters of the machined surface and a variable EDM gap value.Conclusion. The mechanism of EDM electrode design by means of digital prototyping in modern CAD systems is justified taking into account the features of the workpiece geometry, EDM gap and metallization material.