Comparative Performance Analysis of Laser Micromachining and Micro-Electrical Discharge Machining (μ-EDM) of 316 Stainless Steel
V. Kanake and B. B. Ahuja
Non-traditional micromachining methods such as laser micromachining and micro-electrical discharge machining (μ-EDM) are applied to generate intricate shapes and hard-to-cut materials without direct contact. Although both have advantages and limitations, laser micromachining is faster while μ-EDM yields high surface quality. This results in challenges to choosing the right method for a specific application, with the sequence of machining being crucial. This work discusses the benefits and downsides of each method and highlights improvements to the machining conditions. The study examined the variation in material composition before and after micromachining with μ-EDM and fibre laser micromachining and found that material composition varied markedly with laser micromachining, while there was barely any change when μ-EDM was used. μ-EDM resulted in better circularity with a minimum value of 0.00116 mm compared with 0.0169 mm obtained with laser micromachining. Laser micromachining resulted in a greater material removal rate (MRR) and heat affected zone (HAZ) than with μ-EDM. Of significance, it was found that adulteration of the EDM tool material onto the workpiece occurred with μ-EDM; this did not occur with laser micromachining on account of its non-contact nature.
Keywords: Fibre laser, micro-electric discharge machining (μ-EDM), 316 stainless steel, hybrid, composition, material removal rate (MRR) heat affected zone (HAZ)