Primary research on influence of workpiece cooling on efficiency of Inconel’s 625 alloy elecrodischarge milling in carbon dioxide

Abstract

Inconel alloys one of the most cost intensive materials to machine with conventional machining methods. It is connected with its mechanical properties, as well as low thermal conductivity and also high material losses during machining. An alternative to conventional machining is electrodischarge machining (EDM), which enables to machine all the materials which are conductors or semi-conductors regardless its chemical composition and mechanical properties. There are three main dielectric types which can be used for EDM machining. The eco-friendly are gaseous ones. It is still hard to use gaseous dielectrics in the industrial applications, however it seems that this dielectrics are the future. The main aim of this research was to determine an influence of EDM milling in carbon dioxide used as dielectric in two configurations – with and without external workpiece cooling with deionized water on the EDM technological parameters (material removal rate, electrode wear) as well as technological surface integrity and surface structure.