Investigation into Application of Electrodischarge Machining as Steel Surface Modification Technique

AbstractThe feasibility of surface hardfacing/alloying of tool steels using the EDM process has been studied. By this technique, material transfer from the tool electrode (made of sintered Fe–WC) to the steel substrate took place, leading to the formation of a surface alloyedlayer consisting of antiwear constituents (e.g. undissolved carbides). The parameters of the EDM process have been optimised and the microstructure and surface properties (roughness, microhardness, and wear resistance) of the treated material studied. Finally, the industrial potential of this technique is discussed.