TITLE:
EDM Studies on Aluminum Alloy-Silicon Carbide Composites Developed by Vortex Technique and Pressure Die Casting
AUTHORS:
M. Kathiresan, T. Sornakumar
KEYWORDS:
Aluminum Alloy, Silicon carbide, Die-casting, Electric Discharge Machining, Surface roughness.
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.9 No.1,
January
20,
2010
ABSTRACT: Aluminum based metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer potential for advanced structural
applications when high specific strength and modulus, as well as good elevated temperature
resistance, are important. In the present work, aluminum alloy-silicon carbide composites
were developed using a new combination of vortex method and pressure die casting
technique. Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) studies were conducted on the aluminum
alloy-silicon carbide composite work piece using a copper electrode in an Electrical
Discharge Machine. The Material Removal Rate (MRR) and surface roughness of the work
piece increases with an increase in the current. The MRR decreases with increase in the
percent weight of silicon carbide. The surface finish of the machined work piece improves
with percent weight of silicon carbide.