Study on the fabricated feasibility of electrodes in EDM using rapid prototyping (RP) and investment casting technology

Qi Xuan Wu, Ming Chang Wu, Chih Chung Hu, Chun Yao Hsu, Tien Li Chang*, Chung Chen Tsao*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study fabricates a roughing electrode of electrical discharge machining (EDM) using a rapid prototyping (RP) system and investment casting technology, which reduces the overall time that is required for fabrication and the cost of the manufacturing process for a selected electrode. Pro/E (3D CAD) software is used to design the electrode prototype, which has a complex appearance, and to transform the CAD model into stereolithography (STL) format. An RP machine (Zcorp 402 3DP) is used to construct a gypsum-based powder model. After a sealing process using the permeation of resin, the water resistance and strength of the gypsum-based material are increased. The manufacturing process then involves creating a wax model with a gypsum electrode that is strengthened by resin permeation by casting a vulcanized silicone molding. The brass electrode is fabricated using investment casting technology. The results of an EDM test show that the brass electrodes with RP that are manufactured perform well and the total time that is required to machine the EDM electrode using RP is 15.8% less than the time that is required for a CNC machining process.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)377-384
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Volume109
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020 Jul 1

Keywords

  • Electrical discharge machining
  • Electrode
  • Investment casting technology
  • Rapid prototyping

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Software
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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