Micro-Electrical Discharge Machining of Inconel 718: Challenges and Future Prospects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/hb6p3t82Keywords:
Micro-EDM, Inconel 718, Machinability characteristics, Vibration-assisted micro-EDMAbstract
Inconel 718 is a super alloy composed of nickel and chromium, widely used in engineering applications due to its exceptional thermomechanical properties. However, its high work-hardening behavior and low thermal conductivity render conventional machining processes inefficient and challenging, particularly at the microscale. Micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) has emerged as a promising non-traditional technique for fabricating micro-features in Inconel 718. However, issues continue to arise, including difficulty in maintaining debris evacuation during machining, process stability concerns, and low material removal rates (MRR) and poor surface quality. This review presents micro-EDM of Inconel 718 and the challenges associated with machining using micro-EDM, and then examines how various vibration-assisted strategies have been developed to improve both process stability and efficiency. The review of vibration assist mechanisms on process performance in terms of MRR, total machining time, and surface finish has been discussed. Finally, this review synthesizes the data obtained from the various experiments performed thus far to establish a comprehensive understanding of how vibration assists in stabilizing and increasing the efficiency of the micro-EDM process. Furthermore, while identifying current gaps in the literature, this review suggests potential areas for future development to enhance the process performance and productivity of micro-EDM in micro-scaled machining of Inconel 718.
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