journal article·2025-04-01Open access

Advancing sustainability in EDM: A brief review of eco-friendly dielectric fluids

Abhijit Bhowmik, Raman Kumar, Ranganathaswamy M. K, Y. Karun Kumar, Parveen Kumar, Pardeep Singh Bains, Raed Hameed Alfilh, Abinash Mahapatro, Deepak Gupta, A. Johnson Santhosh

AIP Advances· Volume 15· Issue 4

Abstract

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is an advanced, non-conventional machining technique that relies on thermal energy to remove material from a workpiece. In EDM, material removal occurs as a result of intense heat generated by the movement of electrons from the negatively charged cathode to the positively charged anode. This process leads to both melting and vaporization of the workpiece. An essential factor influencing EDM efficiency is the dielectric fluid, which significantly impacts machining outcomes such as tool degradation, material removal efficiency, and surface finish of the electrode. In industrial settings, hydrocarbon-based oils are the preferred choice for dielectric fluids. However, when these oils break down, they emit harmful substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, contributing to environmental pollution and posing health hazards. To enhance the sustainability of the EDM process, alternative dielectric fluids, including gas-based, water-based, and emulsion-based options, have been explored. Notably, research has shown that vegetable oils can serve as an effective and environmentally friendly dielectric medium in EDM. This study offers a brief review of various dielectric fluids used in EDM, emphasizing their role in improving sustainability. In addition, an assessment of eco-friendly dielectric alternatives is presented, highlighting their potential to make the EDM process safer and more environmentally responsible.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Machining and Optimization Techniques · Corrosion Behavior and Inhibition · Concrete Corrosion and Durability

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Additive Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, SIMATS, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences 1 , Thandalam, Chennai 602105,

Centre for Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University 2 , Rajpura 140401, Punjab,

University School of Mechanical Engineering, Rayat Bahra University 3 , Kharar, Punjab 140103,

Faculty of Engineering, Sohar University 4 , P.O. Box 44, Sohar PCI 311,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, JAIN (Deemed to be University) 5 , Bangalore, Karnataka,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Raghu Engineering College 6 , Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 531162,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chandigarh Engineering College, Chandigarh Group of Colleges-Jhanjeri 7 , Mohali 140307, Punjab,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vivekananda Global University 8 , Jaipur, Rajasthan 303012,

Department of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Techniques Engineering, College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University 9 , Najaf,

Department of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Techniques Engineering, College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah 10 , Al Diwaniyah,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University) 11 , Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graphic Era Hill University 12 , Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graphic Era Deemed to be University 13 , Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248002,

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology 14 , Jimma University, Jimma,

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