Optimization of Machining Parameters in Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) of 304 Stainless Steel

Abstract In this investigation, the effect of electrical discharge machining (EDM) parameters such as pulse-on time (TON), pulse-off time (TOFF), Voltage (V) and Current (I) on material removal rate (MRR) in 304 Stainless steel was studied. The experiments are carried out as per design of experiments approach using L9 orthogonal array. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance and response graphs. From this study, it is found that different combinations of EDM process parameters are required to achieve higher MRR for 304 Stainless steel. Signal to noise ratio (S/N) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to analyze the effect of the parameters on MRR and also to identify the optimum cutting parameters. The contribution of each cutting parameters towards the MRR is also identified. The results from this study will be useful for manufacturing engineers to select appropriate EDM process parameters to machine Stainless steel 304.