SHORT CONSIDERATIONS ON THE ULTRASONIC ACTIVATION OF THE ELECTRODE USED IN THE EDM/WEDM PROCESS

Abstract

The paper presents some considerations on the ultrasonic energy overlapping mechanism over the sparks energy at EDM/WEDM processing. In this respect, the ultrasounds effect on the dielectric environment of the gap is studied. In the dielectric environment, ultrasonic energy causes homogenization, dispersion, impact with the workpiece surface and evacuation of the eroded particles, respectively the occurrence of cavitation phenomenon. Depending on frequency and the vibration amplitude of the tool- electrode as well the dielectric liquid rigidity, the erosive capacity/erosion speed, dimensional accuracy and surface quality were determined by experiment, measuring the depth of machining, tool wear, machining speed, gap size and the surface roughness.