WED-machining characteristics of Ti6Al4V alloy based on central composite design

The paper presents the optimisation of process parameters during wire electrode discharge machining (WEDM) of Ti6Al4V (grade 5) alloy using the response surface methodology (RSM) and desirability approach, as unique set of properties of Ti6Al4V is being increasingly utilised in various industries including biomedical and aerospace. However, due to low thermal conductivity and being highly reactive at elevated temperatures tool wear is a significant problem during conventional machining operations. Hence, WEDM may be a viable alternative in certain applications when machining titanium alloys. In this investigation the effect of WEDM process parameters such pulse on time, pulse off time, servo voltage and wire feed are evaluated for material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness. The optimum process parameters were obtained for the selected range of experiments using a desirability approach. Confirmation experiments were conducted to validate the empirical models of MRR and surface roughness that indicated developed models are suitable for predicting the response parameters.