Abstract
A novel hybrid process that integrates end electric discharge (ED) milling and mechanical grinding is proposed. The process is able to effectively machine a large surface area on SiC ceramic with good surface quality and fine working environmental practice. The polarity, pulse on-time, and peak current are varied to explore their effects on the surface integrity, such as surface morphology, surface roughness, micro-cracks, and composition on the machined surface. The results show that positive tool polarity, short pulse on-time, and low peak current cause a fine surface finish. During the hybrid machining of SiC ceramic, the material is mainly removed by end ED milling at rough machining mode, whereas it is mainly removed by mechanical grinding at finish machining mode. Moreover, the material from the tool can transfer to the workpiece, and a combination reaction takes place during machining.
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Recommended by Associate Editor Haedo Jeong
Renjie Ji received his Ph.D in Electromechanics Engineering from China University of Petroleum in 2011. Currently, he is a lecturer in the College of Electromechanical Engineering, China University of Petroleum, China. He has published over 40 papers in international or national journals and conferences. His recent research interest is electrical discharge machining of engineering ceramics.
Yonghong Liu received his Ph.D in Mechanical Manufacture from Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China, in 1996. Currently, he is a professor and doctoral supervisor in the College of Electromechanical Engineering, China University of Petroleum, China. He has published over 120 papers in international or national journals and conferences. His research fields include electrical discharge machining of engineering ceramics, expansion sand screen for sand control and control system of subsea drilling equipment.
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Ji, R., Liu, Y., Zhang, Y. et al. Effect of machining parameters on surface integrity of silicon carbide ceramic using end electric discharge milling and mechanical grinding hybrid machining. J Mech Sci Technol 27, 177–183 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-012-1215-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-012-1215-8