Analysis on topography and metallurgical aspects of EDMed work surface of Inconel 718 obtained using triangular cross sectioned copper tool electrode

A case experimental research on Electro-Discharge Machining (EDM) of Inconel 718 super alloy using Copper tool electrode (of triangular cross section) has been delineated herein. Based on three controllable process variables viz. peak discharge current, pulse-on duration and gap voltage, experiments have been carried out to investigate their effects on influencing topography of the EDMed work surface in terms of Surface Crack Density (SCD). XRD tests have been carried out to compare metallurgy (various phases/precipitates present in bulk of the matrix material, extent of grain refinement, crystallite size, dislocation density) of the EDMed work surface with respect to `as received' Inconel 718. Results, thus obtained, have also been compared to that of EDAX analysis.