Experimental analysis of the machinability of 94 WC-6 Co by die-sinking EDM

Cobalt-bonded tungsten carbide (WC-Co) is widely used in heavy-duty machining applications due to its exceptional hardness and wear resistance, and it is increasingly being adopted in industries such as aerospace and the automotive sector, among others. Its superior mechanical properties make it dif...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Salvide-González, Unai, Puertas Arbizu, Ignacio, Luis Pérez, Carmelo Javier
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Universidad Pública de Navarra
Repositorio:Academica-e. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad Pública de Navarra
OAI Identifier:oai:academica-e.unavarra.es:2454/52847
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2454/52847
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:EDM
WC
Surface roughness
Wear
MMR
DOE
Descripción
Sumario:Cobalt-bonded tungsten carbide (WC-Co) is widely used in heavy-duty machining applications due to its exceptional hardness and wear resistance, and it is increasingly being adopted in industries such as aerospace and the automotive sector, among others. Its superior mechanical properties make it difficult to machine with conventional methods such as turning or milling. Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) has emerged as an efficient alternative, as it allows for the machining of hard materials to be carried out without direct contact between the tool and the workpiece, provided that the material has sufficient electrical conductivity. In this study, a multilevel Design of Experiments (DOE) was conducted to analyze the influence of EDM parameters¿specifically, the current intensity and pulse time—on the surface roughness (SR), electrode wear (EW), and material removal rate (MRR) for 94WC—6Co. The results indicate that the current intensity was the most significant factor across all responses, while the pulse time played a secondary role. Surface finishes as low as Ra = 0.47 μm were achieved at I = 2 A and ti = 10 μs.. For each outcome variable, mathematical models were obtained in order to improve the EDM processes and better understand the machining of WC-Co.