Effect of EDM process parameters on surface quality of Al 6063 SiC_{p metal matrix composite

Electric discharge machining (EDM) has been successfully used for processing of composites. EDM being a thermal process may result in poor surface quality. Better surface quality may be achieved by proper control of process parameters. This study reports investigation in EDM of Al 6063 SiCp metal matrix composite for the obtained surface quality. White light interferometry is used to evaluate the surface quality in terms of roughness average (Ra) and root mean square average (Rq). Mathematical models are proposed herein for the modelling and analysis of the effects of machining parameters (pulse current, duty factor, gap, lift, sensitivity and flushing pressure) in the EDM process. These models are developed using the response surface methodology. Results have shown that the significant factors affecting the values of the Ra are pulse current, sensitivity and flushing pressure and for the Rq are pulse current, lift, and flushing pressure.