Electric discharge machining of titanium and its alloys: a review

Titanium alloys have been widely used in many industries because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to corrosion and high temperature stability. However, inherent properties like low thermal conductivity and chemical reactivity at elevated temperatures pose a major problem in machining of these alloys. Electric discharge machining (EDM) is a non-traditional material removal process used for machining of high strength-high temperature resistant (HSTR) alloys, tough and fragile components of electrically conductive materials by using shaped tools in the presence of dielectric fluid. The present paper reviews the fundamental principles of EDM and work done with regard to effect of operating parameters on material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), surface roughness and surface improvements on titanium alloys work piece.