Investigation on machining and surface characteristics of AA5083 for cryogenic applications by adopting trim cut in WEDM

• Published in: Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering 2018-05, Vol.40 (5), p.1-8, Article 267
• Main Authors: Selvakumar, G., Thiruppathi Kuttalingam, K. G., Ram Prakash, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aluminum base alloys; Cryogenic engineering; Cutting speed; Electric discharge machining; Electric wire; Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Surface properties; Surface roughness; Technical Paper
• ISSN: 1678-5878; 1806-3691
• DOI: 10.1007/s40430-018-1192-7

This paper presents the experimental investigation on wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) of aluminum alloy 5083 (AA5083), an exotic material widely used for cryogenic applications. In this work, an attempt has been made primarily to examine the influence of number of trim cuts on WEDM for the following responses: cutting speed, surface roughness, corner error and dimensional shift. AA5083 is one of the predominant materials used in cryogenic applications. It is inevitable to comprise the inherent property and surface quality of the material in cryogenic conditions. Hence, it is identified that cutting AA5083 in WEDM is a potential process. Taguchi methodology has been used for conducting the experiments. The present work has been focused on satisfying the customer needs and demands of acquiring the expected surface quality with maximum productivity. Experimental results proved that the rough cut followed with one optimal trim cut produces maximum cutting speed with good surface quality. Besides, an expression has been derived for calculating average cutting speed and effective cutting speed in trim cuts. Furthermore, the surface integrity of the rough cut and trim cut is compared and discussed with the SEM micrographs.