Effects of Cryogenically-treated Stainless Steel on Eco-friendly Wire Electrical Discharge Machining Process

Abstract

In this research, the influences of cryogenically treated stainless steel-grade 317 on the eco-friendly near-dry wire-cut electrical discharge machining (NDWEDM) processes have been investigated using minimum quantity of water mixed with oxygen gas dielectrics. The stainless-steel Grade-317 has been applied to make the various biomedical components. The wear ratio (WWR), and cutting rate (CR) are compared using cryogenically treated and un-treated work materials. The water flow rate, gas pressure, spark current, and pulse width had been considered as process parameters. All the tests were performed and compared by Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array. The surface topography of the machined surfaces and wear of wire had been illustrated for both treated/untreated materials by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. It was reported that the WWR and CR of cryogenically treated materials are 20.31% lower and 22.32% higher than untreated materials respectively.