Material removal mechanisms of cemented carbides machined by ultrasonic vibration assisted EDM in gas medium

A new electrical discharge machining (EDM) technology named tool electrode ultrasonic vibration assisted electrical discharge machining in gas medium (UEDM in gas) is proposed and its principle is introduced. Relevant experimental equipment was designed by which a series of machining experiments of cemented carbide material were carried out. The mechanisms of cemented carbide material removal are discussed in detail through observing and analyzing the microstructures of machined surface. Five material removal mechanisms of cemented carbides machined by UEDM in gas were proposed, which are melting and evaporation, oxidation and decomposition, spalling, the force of high-pressure gas and the affection of ultrasonic vibration.