Optimization of EDM parameters using Response Surface Methodology for EN31 Tool Steel Machining

The present work demonstrates the optimization process of material removal rate (MRR) of electrical discharge machining (EDM) by RSM (Response Surface Methodology). The work piece material was EN31 tool steel. The pulse on time, pulse off time, pulse current and voltage were the control parameters of EDM. RSM method was used to design the experiment using rotatable central composite design as this is the most widely used experimental design for modeling a second-order response surface. The process has been successfully modeled using response surface methodology (RSM) and model adequacy checking is also carried out using Minitab software. The second-order response models have been validated with analysis of variance. Finally, an attempt has been made to estimate the optimum machining conditions to produce the best possible responses within the experimental constraints.