A Review on Current Research Trends in Die- Sinking Electrical Discharge Machining of Conductive Ceramics

In recent years, incessant research in material science has encouraged the engineering and development of advanced ceramic materials. Such materials satisfy the needs of high end applications in the areas of aerospace, automotive, defense, biological and nuclear fields. Whereas, due to inherent capability of machining of any conductive material irrespective of its hardness and strength, Electrical Discharge machining process has been the potential choice for machining of such novel materials. Simultaneously, it also achieves comparatively high removal rates. Various researchers have made their significant contributions, exploring the potential applicability of the process in this domain. Majority of work concentrates on improvement in process efficiency, optimization of process variables and process monitoring and control. Noteworthy efforts had been applied to reveal the effect of electrical and non-electrical parameters on response parameters for various electrodeworkpiece material combinations. Oxides, non-oxides and composites in conductive form have been the principle choices of researchers. This paper abruptly reviews the development of conductive ceramic materials followed by the progress of EDM technology in this context from its initiation to present state. The discussion is extended to key research areas such as optimizing the material removal, monitoring electrode wear, effect on surface quality. The present and prospering application ranges of such materials are also accounted for.