This paper presents the experimental investigation on the electro-discharge machining of aluminum alloy 6061 reinforced with SiC particles using sintered Cu–W electrode. Experiments have been designed as per central composite rotatable design, using response surface methodology. Machining characteristics such as material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear ratio (EWR), and surface roughness (SR) have been investigated under the influence of four electrical process parameters; namely peak current, pulse on time, pulse off time, and gap voltage. The process parameters have been optimized to obtain optimal combination of MRR, EWR, and SR. Further, the influence of sintered Cu–W electrode on surface characteristics has been analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Vicker microhardness tests. The results revealed that all the process parameters significantly affect MRR, EWR, and SR. The machined surface properties are modified as a result of material transfer from the electrode. The recast layer thickness is increased at higher setting of electrical parameters. The hardness across the machined surface is also increased by the use of sintered Cu–W electrode.
On the critical roles of initial plastic deformation and material transfer on the sliding friction between metals
