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CHAPTER OUTLINE A4.1 Introduction A4.2 Definition, Description of main parts & features A4.3 Calculation of cutting parameters (structure of machined surfaces) A4.4 Operations on CNC EDM A4.5 Safety & Maintenance of machine
A4.1
IntroductionTOPIC OUTLINE
Introduction of CNC EDMElectrical Discharge Machining:Machining of hard material or hardened material is not simple. It is very difficult and maximum time consuming method. EDM has solved this problem, since it can cut hardened electrically conductive material to cut complicated shapes and geometrically difficult contours.
METAL WORKING TECHNIQUE WITH CNC MACHINE TOOLS
A4.1a
In the next topic students are going to learn about the description of the main parts and features of CNC EDM Machine. QUESTION BANK Questions:
1. 2.
Describe CNC EDM process. Explain how CNC EDM Machines are classified.
A4.2
a) Definition b) Description of main parts c) Tool holding devices d) Machine parameters e) Work Holding devices f) Tools (Electrodes)
A4.2a
Definition of the ProcessThe process is characterized by the fact that removal of material is obtained by
a succession of non-stationary electrical discharges, separated from each other in time, i.e. only one spark at a time is created. The discharges are produced by the voltage source (off-load voltage). EDM process is also known as spark erosion machining. A4.2b The machineThe machine consists of a frame to which the column is attached; these two parts, in ribbed cast iron, are highly rigid. Description of main parts-
The frame supports a cross table consisting of an intermediate saddle and top saddle, coupled to the work table on which the part to be machined is mounted. The work tank, which is coupled to the table, contains the dielectric fluid during machining. The work tank is equipped with the part flushing system. The column supports the Z slide. The electrical equipment box is attached to the back of the column.
The remote control unit is used to engage the motors of the three axes manually in the positive or negative direction (together with the C-axis option). The machine rests on the dielectric reservoir.
FilteringThe dielectric from the work tank is drained into the reservoir through the drain panel. When the pump is started, the reservoir dielectric is driven into a filter battery attached to the back of the reservoir. A part of the clean dielectric is used to feed the flushing circuits, the rest being directed towards the cooler, before being returned to the reservoir.
The electrical equipment box contains the machine electronic interfaces. The box also contains connection points for the various electrical circuits and machining cables.
Remote ControlIn the manual mode, the remote control unit is used to start the motors of the 4 axes in the positive or negative directions. The rate of movement can be varied between a minimum and a maximum of 0 to 15 m/sec. Work tankThe work tank is used to immerse the part to be machined. The front wall, which is hinged, is used as a door. Access to the table is thus facilitated for installation and clamping of the part and for adjustment operations prior to machining. The work tank is filled and emptied manually. The dielectric level is set manually by the operator. cover, on the left hand side of the work tank. Control CabinetThe control cabinet contains the various control devices. It is fitted with two access doors. The front door supports the operator-machine dialogue system.
dielectric in the work tank is kept constant by means of two thermostats located under the
The front door provides access to the various PCBs of the numerical control, to the generator power units and, at the bottom of the cabinet, to the contractors and thermal protective devices of the electrical part.
The rear door provides access to the power supply PCBs, to the various monitoring boards, to the control and machining cable connectors and to the transformers attached to the bottom of the cabinet.
Control PanelThe control panel, which is built into the cabinet front door, contains the operatormachine dialogue system, together with controls for the operation of the machine, i.e.
Screen-
During machining, the operator can display all the information concerning the work performed by the machine: quality, progress, messages from the machine, etc.
Diskette drive-
The diskette drive is used to enter the programs required for operation of the installation, part programs or data specific to a machining operation. It is also possible to retrieve data from the machine memory.
The <<Dielectric>> function command keys-
The dielectric setting level is reached: the light is on The dielectric setting level is not reached: the light flashes The pump is off: the indicator is off Power on Emergency stop (a 2nd emergency stop button is located on the machine head) Tool Holding Devices-
Push buttonso o
The electrode mounting system is of primary importance for both the attainable degree of accuracy and the economy of the spark erosion process. The system should combine universal applicability with maximum stability and high tool change accuracy. A good electrode clamping system, also referred to as tool system should comprise a leveling attachment for precision adjustment of electrodes, a number of highly accurate quick clamping chucks and different electrode holders which enable the electrode to be machined on a machine tool and subsequently fitted to the spark erosion machine without re-clamping. Some tool systems also include equipment for rotary eroding.
METAL WORKING TECHNIQUE WITH CNC MACHINE TOOLS
The market offers several tool systems, which have in part been specially developed for EDM operations. The relatively high price, which is due to the high standard of quality, should not keep the users of spark erosion equipment from purchasing such a system. In practice, such an investment will pay its way very soon by saving in setup time and higher degrees of accuracy. Types of accessories with changer-
A4.2d parameters-
Machine
The machining process is influenced by a number of parameters, which will have to be familiar to the user of spark erosion equipment, if optimum results are to be achieved. A) Stock Removal Rate:
By definition, stock removal rate is the volume of material removed from a work piece within a unit time. It is expressed in mm3/min when the same spark frequency is used, the stock removal rate will be increased by raising the energy level per spark. But on the other hand, the use of higher spark energy will result in larger craters and thus greater surface roughness. Generally speaking, maximum stock removal rates can only be achieved at the expense of surface finish values being below the generally acceptable standard. This means that roughing operations have to be followed by one or several finishing operations at reduced spark energy. But it should be appreciated that, in the interest of better surface finish, the stock removal rate would be substantially lower. It will, of course, always attempted to use the highest possible stock removal rate also in finishing operations because this is a decisive factor for the total machining time. A major advantage of the EDM process lies in the fact that the stock removal rate is practically independent of the hardness of the material. This makes it possible to machine hardened work piece thus avoid the danger of heat distortions fissures which are frequently encountered as a result of heat treatment after the finished cavity has already been produced. Although the hardness of a material is irrelevant for the stock removal rate in spark eroding different materials such as steel and sintered carbides nevertheless show certain differences in behavior. It should also be noted that the stock removal rate would decrease with increasing working depth. This is mainly due to reduced flushing action and thus less efficient removal of the eroded particles, which have a detrimental effect on the conditions in the spark gap. Flushing conditions can be improved by using a vibrator or by pulse flushing.
B)
Relative Electrode Wear: The second important technological parameter of spark erosion is relative
electrode wear. As pointed out above, surface erosion not only occurs on the work piece but also on the electrode, although, of course, on a lesser scale. Relative electrode wear
is understood to mean the ratio between the stock removals from the work piece. It is expressed in percent. A value of 5%, for example, indicates that an amount of 5 mm 3 is removed from the electrode while at the same time, 100 mm 3 is removed from the work piece. In the course of eroding operation, the active portions of the electrode will more or less be deformed as a result of electrode wear. Unfortunately, this electrode wear is not strictly linear, otherwise it could be compensated for by an appropriate amount of Predistortion. As a matter of fact, sharp edges and corners will be subject to accelerated wear due to the greater current density at these points. As a result, the volume of wear is greater than the length of wear. Recent developments in the field of spark erosion generators have mainly concentrated on an increase in stock removal rate combined with a reduction of electrode wear. The successes of these efforts is evidenced by the fact that modern pulse generators, if used in conjunction with copper electrodes, have reduced relative electrode wear to less than 1% in roughing operations. It should be emphasized in this connection that the use of graphite for spark erosion electrodes is particularly advantageous because this material is easy to machine and provides wear ratings which even may be far below 1%. C) Accuracy for Reproduction: Another important factor for the general applications of spark eroding machines is the accuracy of reproduction of the electrode shape, especially since the general advance of engineering calls for closer tolerance limits. For this reason, it should be carefully considered what geometrical and dimensional deviations are permissible, and what corrections can be incorporated in the electrode, because the final dimensions of a
spark eroded die or mould will never exactly correspond to the dimensions of the electrode.
Other reasons such as electrode wear and the necessary spark gap width, but may also be attributed to mechanical factors e.g. the stability of the machine and the guidance of the electrode. The spark gap width, which ranges from 0.01 to 0.05 mm (0.0005 to 0.02), always makes the die cavity in the work piece slightly larger than the electrode. The width of the gap is dependent or the electrode and work piece materials, the dielectric liquid, the required surface finish and thus, eventually, on the generator setting. In the case of deep holes with a small section, it should be borne in mind that, due to unsatisfactory flushing, there will be slight taper in a downward direction. Conditions can be improved by using sufficiently long and stepped electrodes or by employing button electrodes. Engraved patterns can only be produced with a high degree of accuracy by finishing the work piece with the aid of one or more finishing electrodes after the roughing operation. It should be noted that electrode wear is greater along the edges than on flat surfaces. Obviously, the smallest obtainable today is roughly 0.01mm (0.0005). This value cannot be appreciably improved except with considerable efforts. D) Surface Quality: The surface roughness on a spark eroded work piece is determined by the size of the overlapping craters. Since a high stock removal rate requires the use of high energy sparks, such roughing operations will produce very rough surfaces. A smoother surface can be obtained by a subsequent finishing operation with a second electrode using substantially lower spark eroding operations is less than 1 m CLA fro sintered carbides and about 1m CLA for steel. This will probably be sufficient for the vast majority of machining operations. If this is not the case, spark eroding may afford other advantages, for example in applications where conventional cutting methods can not be used or where complicated profiles and contours can be produced much more economically by spark erosion, provided that final re-touching by hand is reduced to a minimum.
E) Effects on Microstructure:
METAL WORKING TECHNIQUE WITH CNC MACHINE TOOLS
The points of impact of the electrical sparks are exposed to very high temperatures, which have marked effects on the microstructure of the material. In addition, a certain amount of carbon from the dielectric as well as traces of the electrode material enter the work piece surface by way of diffusion. Extensive tests have shown that the surface layer affected by such processes may have thickness of several hundredths of a millimeter (approximately a thousand of an inch). Since the effects on microstructure are largely dependent on the duration and energy of the sparks, it will be no problem to remove such adversely affected surface layers results especially from roughing work by a suitable finishing operation.
A) B) C) D) E)
Material removal rate Electrode wear Surface finish Spark GAP Flushing is the most vital element in the technology of EDM and flushing is used to remove the unwanted particles from the sparking process. flushing are used depending on the application. Different types of
All above parameters are inter-related and give best possible results with appropriate combination.
1) 2) 3) 4)
Pressure flushing continuous flushing impose flushing combined flushing. Suction flushing Continuous flushing combined flushing Side set flushing Where flushing through job or electrode is impossible Motion flushing Motion flushing gives higher efficiency of flushing with moving electrode.
Rotating electrode with rotary device guarantees best roundness, better surface
finish and shorter erosion time. Vibratory movement of electrode. Auto flushing in combination with pressure flushing or impulse flushing. Flushing improves the efficiency of sparking since it is useful:
A) B) C) D)
To insulate the gap To flush wastages Cooling of work pieces and electrode To provide bridge between electrode and work piece.
There are variables like on-time, off-time current etc. that contributes to achieve best possible results. With these variables the effects are shown in following table: Mrp Current
Increase Decrease
Electrode Wear
Surface Finish
Gap
On-time
Increase Decrease
Off-time
Increase Decrease
All the above are the variables available in the machine. Since the jobs can be of various materials like steel, carbide, aluminum, copper etc, various electrode materials are being used, vizA) Copper-electrode grade B) Graphite C) Steel D) Copper-Tungsten E) Copper-Graphite
Depending upon the requirement of the job, these electrodes are selected. electrodes, following properties are considered while selecting Electrical conductivity Thermal stability Melting point
For
Material
2)
3)
Carbide / Tungsten - Copper Tungsten Carbide - Copper With the general convention, copper or graphite are used as electrodes, being
available with reasonable cost. Graphite gives better material removal rate than copper since its thermal stability is more than copper. Hence more discharges are achieved from the same pulse.
Copper gives better surface finish than graphite since its grain structure is much more finer as compared with graphite.
Machine features and parametersEvery machine is divided into three major partsA) Machine Tool B) Generator or pulse control unit C) Dielectric unit
A) It consists of parts like Work table and work tank Slides Servo Safety interlocks
Machine Tool:
Work table or work tank-Work table is used to keep the job on it. Work tank is used for filling up the dielectric during sparking operation. It is mounted on slides. SlidesSlides are used of various types like slides
with V-flat rollers, slides with needle roller bearings etc. Depending upon the requirements of accuracy, the slides are used. Needle roller bearings give better accuracy and life of slides, since wear and tear is less. These slides are driven by either lead screws or ball screws. Normally the slides are moved by hand wheel (for table movement). movements are used (Big EDMs, CNC EDM etc.)
METAL WORKING TECHNIQUE WITH CNC MACHINE TOOLS
ServoSERVO, the world itself means precious. It is essential element since every sparking operations is dependent on the SERVO movement. Various types of SERVO are use in the machine like
A)
Electromechanical
DC Servo DC Stepper SERVO AC SERVO
B)
Hydraulic In earlier generation machines Hydraulic SERVO was used, due to non-
availability of electrical motors, which can lift higher weight electrodes. Now a day with the advent of latest technology, various electrical motors are available and hence are preferred over hydraulic SERVO. Now a days electromechanical SERVO is used since it has all the advantages of hydraulic SERVO with less maintenance required. Hydraulic SERVO needs periodical preventive maintenance against compared to electro mechanical SERVO. Safety interlocks: Various interlocks are used in the machine like A)
B)
Low level it prevents machine from fire. In case level goes down and sparking appears on the surface the fire accident takes place. Over Temperature- Due to continuous sparking operation the dielectric temperature increases. Due to increase in the temperature dielectric fires. This inter lock trips the machine before the flash point of dielectric.
C)
Preset depth this switch ensures the correct sparking depth. This prevents slide from over travel. Upper limit - This switch prevents the slides from over travel.
D)
Apart from above interlocks other interlocks like over level, anti-arc switch etc. are used to ensure the safety of the machine and the operator. B) Generator or pulse control unit: It is a control unit, which controls all the functions of the machine. It consists of important sections like Input-output sectionWhich controls the input commands and execution of output commands mainly it is an electrical section where under voltage / over voltage checking, output connections, contractors etc. Current SectionThe current is selected through this section. The current is applied with various devices like mosfet, transistors, variac etc. In recent times mosfets are used popularly since it can be operated with very high frequency range, which gives better surface finish. OscillatorOscillator controls all the EDM technology hand in hand with current section. Oscillator provides settings for on time & off time. Oscillator can be of various types like EPROM, electronically controlled RC, LC or sometimes combination. changes with duration hence calibration is needed. Control SectionThis section controls the movement of SERVO voltage of sparking anti-arcing sensing etc. In this EPROM oscillator is best choice since the data fed in does not change whereas in other cases it
A4.2e 1)
Work Holding devicesSwivel base viceMay be bolted to the table or sub-plate. The swivel base enables the vice to be swiveled 3600 in a horizontal plane.
2)
Angle platesArc L-shaped pieces of cast iron or steel accurately machined to a 90 0 angle. They are made in a variety of sizes & have holes or slots, which provide a means for fastening the w/piece.
3)
V-blocksArc generally used in pairs to support round work piece. A U-shaped clamp may be used to fasten the work in a V-block.
4)
Step BlocksArc used to provide support for strap clamps when work is being fastened to the table or work holding device.
5)
Clamps or strapsArc used to fasten work to the table, angle plate or fixture. They are made in a variety of sizes and are usually supported at the end by a step block and bolted to the table by a T-bolt.
Support JacksArc used to support the work piece to prevent distortion of work piece during ParallelsArc flat, square or rectangular pieces of metal used to support the work Sub-platesArc generally flat plates that may be fitted to the machine table to provide quick and accurate location of work pieces.
Tools (Electrode)-
Metallic materialsElectrolytic Copper Tellurium Or Chromium Copper Copper Tungsten Brass Tungsten Carbide Aluminium Non-Metallic: Graphite Combination of metallic & non-metallic materials: Copper Graphite
2) 3)
The ElectrodeThe purpose of any material used as an electrode in the EDM process is to convey the electrical machining pulses to allow erosion of work piece to take place with little or no erosion of electrode. In principle, any electrically conductive material may successfully be used to fabricate electrode. However, experience shows that depending upon the material to be machined and the type of generator used, certain materials are more suitable than others. The performance of electrode materials in any given condition is judged by its material removal rate, low wear and ability to accurately machine. The basic requirements for a good electrode material are:
Good electric conductivity and low resistivity Resistance to abrasion High melting and boiling points
Dimensional stability
High density and high modulus of elasticity Good heat diffusion and conductivity
The use of a suitable electrode is one of the main conditions for successful spark eroding. The selection of electrode material is also governed by the following factors:
a)
b) Reasonable price c)
GraphiteGraphite is an easily machinable material and has a very low wear characteristic especially when used for roughing operations. A variety of different graphite grades have been specially developed for electrical discharge machining. The cheapest and coarsest grain material are suitable for roughing work, while the more expensive fine grain material can be used for finishing. Fine grain graphite provides much higher heat conductivity and thus prevents local over heating of the electrode, which might lead to establishment of a continuous arc.
CopperApart from graphite, copper is probably the most frequently used electrode material, either in the form of electrolytic copper or cast copper. The material is universally used in both roughing and finishing operations, it is characterized by low wear and high stock removal and, in addition, is easy to machine on conventional machine tools. Copper TungstenThis material is relativity expensive and thus only on a limited scale. Tungsten is specially used for machining cemented carbides. AluminiumAluminium used to be a very popular electrode material but is now employed very rarely. Its melting point is so low that the high electrode wear ratio makes most aluminium alloys uneconomical. level. BrassThis is a very popular and low priced electrode material, which was widely used in conjunction with earlier relaxation generations. Today it has only a limited range of applications, e.g. in machining titanium components, this requires negative polarity. Only very large electrodes with a correspondingly low current density provide for sufficient heat dissipation to reduce electrode wear to an acceptable It has
excellent wear characteristics and particularly suitable for finishing operations. Copper
In the next topic students are going to learn about calculation of cutting parameters (structure of machine surfaces). QUESTION BANK Questions:
1) Explain the machine basic construction. 2) Describe the function of filtering unit. 3) Write the elements present on the control panel on the machine. 4) Explain relative electrode wear. 5) What is the importance of servo in machine? 6) Explain any two types of work holding devices used on CNC EDM Machine.
A4.3
TOPIC OUTLINE
A 4.3a
Structure & characteristics of CNC EDM Machined surfacesIn EDM machining, removal of material is caused mainly by a thermal
phenomenon. It is known that the temperature in a discharge is of the order of 8000 0 to 120000 C. The effect of these high temperature discharges obviously affects the structure of the material used. This influence varies according to different materials (some do not show any modification of structure). A metallographic inspection of the cross section of an eroded surface shows two layers of a different nature, shown in figure below:
A heterogeneous white layer, consisting of a mixture of carbon rich solid solutions, this latter coming on the one hand from steel and on the other hand from break down of the dielectric fluid (hydrocarbon) due to the effect of heat.
An intermediate layer located between the white layer and the metal that has not
machining settings; it has not become molten. However, the metal has been raised to a relatively high temperature over a very short period of time and then suddenly cooled. Depending on the temperature reached locally, this heat treatment produces a modification of the initial structure for steels susceptible to hardening, which can result:
Either in hardening (hardening effect due to passage of the steel transformation points) Or in softening (super-tempered effect in the case of a hardened and tempered steel, if
the heating is greater than the initial tempering temperature). Generally, in practice hardening in the intermediate zone is observed, the eventual softened zone being located in the immediate vicinity of the metal not affected by erosion. The diagrams below show the relationships, which may be established, between maximum temperatures, which may be reached during erosion, micrographic structures, and hardness.
Curve of maximum temperatures reached erosion (along a line perpendicular to the surface).
Hardness curve resulting from temperature curve: 1) 2) 3) steels The thickness of the disturbed layers decreases simultaneously with the machining power level. Melted area white film Austenitized area hardened layer Super-tempered area only for hardened and tempered
4.3b
Surface FinishTesting of surface finishes is carried out using apparatus known as roughness
meters. Experience shows that measurement of surface finishes by visotactile comparison with a standard does not give an error of more than 2 class CH. The roughness criteria are Ra (Europe) = CLA (UK) = AA (USA). To obtain a roughness scale, Charmilles Technologies have defined a CH scale (similar to VDI 3400), which is, however comparable with the standards used.
Definition of roughness criteria: CH No.20 log (10 Ra) (m) Significant rules and figures: 1m Ra = CH20 if: Ra = Rax2 2MRA = CH26 The ratio between 2 successive CH units is 1.12 The difference between 2 successive CH units is 12.2% Rt. is approximately equal to 8 x Ra. Mean Rt = 5 x value of Ra. 10m Ra = CH40 CH = CH + 6 1m Ra = CH20
In the next topic students are going to learn about various operations and features of the machine. QUESTION BANK Questions:
1) Explain the structure and the characteristics of EDM Machine surfaces. METAL WORKING TECHNIQUE WITH CNC MACHINE TOOLS
Operations on CNC EDMOn this machine complicated shapes and geometrically difficult contours can be made.
b. c. d. e. f. g.
Threading operation also done on this machine Cutting independently in x, y, z axis Helical cutting Path control Planetary motion Magazine facility
In the next topic students are going to learn about the safety and maintenance of the machine. QUESTION BANK Questions:
1) 2)
Explain the planetary motion on CNC EDM machine. List any two operations, which can be performed on the CNC EDM Machine.
A4.5
TOPIC OUTLINE
A4.5a Introduction-
In order to guarantee healthy and agreeable working conditions for persons working on EDM machines and for those present in the same premises, it is indispensable that some elementary hygiene and safety rules related to this machining process be respected. Operators, foremen and company directors are called upon to respect the rules mentioned below: TrainingOnly persons trained on this type of machine and its equipment are authorized to use it. Training sessions concerning hygiene and safety problems are to be held annually. PremisesFreshening up of the ambient air of the premises must be guaranteed; this is done to avoid formation of a noxious and dangerous atmosphere, without omitting the volume of air evacuated by the smoke extractor, which must be replaced. The premises in which an EDM machine using a dielectric operates, in which the flash point is lower than 1000C, is considered a fire hazard.
Therefore, the electrical installation on this premises must comply with the requirements of the standards in force. For Germany, standard VDE 0 100 T720.
SmokeEssentially, emanations from the dielectric consist of gases and smoke produced by the thermal decomposition of the oil due to the spark erosion process. These emanations are of different kinds and comprise of:
Poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the solid or gas state, Aromatic hydrocarbon and paraffin vapors, Metal particles Various products which may result from the breakdown of additives
of providing a suction rate, measured at the edge of the work tank, of more than 1 m/sec.
The smoke suction-conduit must be non-inflammable If the smoke suction, conduit has a metal armature the latter must be connected to
ground CommentsSome machines are equipped with a monitoring device in the smoke sensor, if suction is insufficient; it is impossible to start machining. FirePreventive measures:
To avoid any over heating of the dielectric, the cooling system must be permanently in
operation.
Two safety thermostats control the dielectric temperature in the work tank; these will
Within a radius of 5 meters around the machine, the presence of flames and named
to be set up
When machining, the part must be covered with a minimum of 40mm of dielectric fluid,
parts of the machined part or the electrode (risk of explosion). Protections All covers and protective paneling must be kept in place when working with the
equipment.
Protective material must not be neutralized. After an intervention, all protective devices must be installed before machining. In the event of an accident, and if the safety instructions have not been respected,
A plate affixed to the front of the work tank is used to inscribe the following information:
Type of dielectric Dielectric flash point Dermatological risks Safety instructions
Comment: The use of dielectrics of flash point less than 600 C is prohibited. Hygiene instructions To prevent prolonged contact of the skin with the dielectric, gloves must be worn. \ Wash your hands after any contact with the dielectric Protect the eyes against dielectric splashes Do not ingest dielectric
A4.5b
General Recommendations-
If the dielectric overflows, this must not be allowed to soak into the ground or to be
Contact the competent local authorities to acquaint yourself with the regulatory
In the next chapter students are going to learn about CNC High Speed Milling. QUESTION BANK Questions:
1) 2)
List any two hygienic instructions to be followed while working on CNC EDM. What preventive measures to be taken to avoid fire of the machine?