Electrical Discharge Machining of Micro-holes on Titanium Sheets: Effect of Process Parameters and Electrode Shape

Aim of this work was to investigate the effects of process parameters in drilling micro-holes on' titanium using micro-EDM technology. Titanium plates having a thickness equal to 0.5 mm were taken into account and the holes were performed using a tubular carbide electrode having a diameter equal to 0.3 mm. Design Of Experiment (DOE) was used for planning the experimental campaign in order to study the relationship between process parameters and final output. In particular, the most significant process parameters (such as peak current, pulse duration, frequency and electrode rotation speed) were investigated as a function of material removal rate and wear rate. Geometrical and dimensional properties of the micro-holes were also investigated, using optical microscope, evaluating both the overcut and the rate of taper. Finally, a comparison with micro-holes obtained using a cylindrical electrode having the same diameter was carried out.