A Systematic Review on Electrochemical Discharge Machining Process

Abstract

This review paper highlights the important results of the investigations on Electro-Chemical Discharge Machining (ECDMing) conducted by the authors and their co-authors. Nuclear, aerospace, locomotives and automobile industries have certain specific desires in machining advanced materials. The growing demands of modern industries have increased the need for advanced machining techniques that can achieve higher material removal rates along with superior surface finish. ECDM is a hybrid machining process capable of meeting these requirements, particularly for machining advanced materials. In the ECDM process, the proper selection of process parameters plays a crucial role in enhancing material removal, improving surface quality and minimizing tool wear. This study examines the influence of key parameters such as electrolyte concentration, applied voltage, pulse-on/off time, tool rotational speed and feed rate during ECDM. The specific roles of each parameter in controlling material removal, tool wear and surface finish are analysed and the optional parameter ranges are summarized based on various optimization techniques.