Investigation of process parameters of AMEDM on Al/SiC composite using Taguchi approach

The present study examines the abrasive mixed electrical discharge machining (AMEDM) of aluminium
composites. Taguchi method has been used to optimize the material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear
rate (TWR) considered as performance response for composite machining using AMEDM. In this analysis,
boron carbide (B4C) abrasive particles were mixed with different concentration to the kerosene oil that
acts as a dielectric fluid (DF). It has been found that with the addition of B4C powder, MRR is increased
and TWR is decreased. Based on S/N ratio analysis, results showed that the MRR in machining of through
holes with AMEDM on composites is significantly influenced by abrasive concentration and peak current.
Concentration of abrasive particles has a significant impact on the TWR. Optimum process parameters are
found based on S/N ratio analysis, For MRR, value are specified as pulse-on-time (A2) 120 ms, peak current
(B3) 9 A, concentration of abrasive particle (C2) 10 gm/l and pulse-off-time (D2) 40 ms and for TWR, value
are specified as pulse-on-time (A3) 150 ms, peak current (B2) 6 A, concentration of abrasive particle (C2)
10 gm/l and pulse-off-time (D3) 50 ms.