Influence of Electrospark Machining on Surface Performance

Abstract

The influence of the conditions of electrospark machining on the structural changes and roughness of the machined surfaces and hence on their wear resistance is studied experimentally. After electrospark machining of 38Х2Н2МА steel with the minimum parameters, the roughness of the machined surface is found to be minimal. However, the depth of the modified layer (the zone of diminished microhardness) is a maximum. When using the maximum electrospark parameters, the roughness of the machined surface is a maximum, whereas the depth of the modified layer is a minimum. The zone of diminished microhardness affects the wear resistance of the working surfaces and the working life of the part as a whole. In specifying the conditions of electrospark machining, large currents I (А) must be used, or else subsequent operations will be required to remove the modified layer from the machined surface.