This study investigates the surface integrity and roundness of parts created by the cylindrical wire EDM process. A mathematical model for the arithmetic average surface roughness on the ideal surface of a cylindrical wire EDM workpiece is first derived. Effects of wire feed rate and part rotational speed on the surface finish and roundness for brass and carbide work-materials at high material removal rates are investigated. The pulse on-time and wire feed rate are varied to explore the best possible surface finish and roundness achievable by the cylindrical wire EDM process. This study has demonstrated that, for carbide parts, an arithmetic average surface roughness and roundness as low as 0.68 and 1.7 μm, respectively, can be achieved. Surfaces of the cylindrical EDM parts were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to identify the macro-ridges and craters on the surface. Cross-sections of the EDM parts are examined using the SEM to quantify the sub-surface recast layers and heat-affected zones under various process parameters. This study has demonstrated that the cylindrical wire EDM process parameters can be adjusted to achieve either high material removal rate or good surface integrity and roundness.
Investigations on the effect of wire EDM process parameters on surface integrity of HSLA: a multi-performance characteristics optimization