An experimental analysis and optimization of machining rate and surface characteristics in WEDM of Monel-400 using RSM and desirability approach

In the present work, an experimental investigation on wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) of Monel-400 has been presented. Monel-400 is a nickel–copper-based alloy, mostly employed in ships and corrosion-resisting applications. Four input WEDM parameters namely discharge current (Ip), pulse-on time (Ton), pulse-off time (Toff) and servo voltage (SV) have been investigated and modeled for two performance characteristics namely machining rate (MR) and surface roughness (SR). Effect of WEDM parameters has been discussed using response surface graphs. Using analysis of variance, quadratic model is found significant for MR while two factors interaction (2FI) model has been suggested for SR. To optimize multi-performance characteristics, desirability function has been employed. Corresponding to highest desirability, the optimal combination of discharge parameters is Ip: 103 A; Ton: 113 μs; Toff: 37 μs and SV: 50 V. The effect of discharge energy on surface morphology has also been examined. High discharge energy increases the extent of surface damage and results in large size and overlapped craters on machined surface. Low discharge energy and high value of Toff result in minimum defects on machined surface. Trim cutting operations were performed at low discharge energy using different wire offset values. Result shows that surface finish can be improved significantly after a single trim cut irrespective of high discharge energy in rough cut.