Journal Article
Intelligent CAD Tool to Solve Challenges in the Design of Orbiting EDM Electrode
2011-04-12
2011-01-1073
Orbiting EDM introduces additional electrode motion to enhance debris removal mechanism during machining process. This method offers superior machining quality towards static EDM due to advancement of debris removal and subsequently becomes a common process to produce precise and complex parts. However, designers often encounter difficulties to design electrode used for orbiting purposes. Aside from adjusting the electrode for machining overcut, the electrode also has to consider for the chosen orbit motion into geometry design, otherwise the final product will not meet design requirements due to deviated product dimension. These two factors have to be adjusted concurrently, following the characteristic of spark machining influenced by orbital motion. There is no CAD package that currently supports geometry adjustment for orbiting motion of EDM process in the market. Therefore, designers always perform manual electrode compensation for both orbit motion as well machining overcut.