Machining Characteristics of H.S.S. & Titanium Using Electro Discharge Sawing and Wire – Electrodischarge Machining.

A modification of Wire electro discharge machining (WEDM) is electro discharge sawing (EDS). Both employ high frequency sparks for machining metals that are difficult to machine. However the dielectric used in WEDM is replaced by an electrolyte in EDS. Its fast erosion rates makes it a suitable process for large and faster cuts like sawing of huge bars, slabs or billets. It has been developed as a hybrid process combining the features of WEDM with those of arc cutting. The electrolyte used is a mixture of sodium silicate plus water with a specific gravity of 1.25.This process is used to promote arcing in place of sparking as well as to produce a passivating film on the work surface to prevent short circuits and to effectively quench the eroded debris and carry them off the inter electrode gap. This paper brings out the inherent similarities & distinguishing features of these two processes, and also illustrates the high material removal rates of EDS compared to EDM. Finally, the EDS process and experimental results are explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]