A Review on Additively Manufactured Electrodes for use in Electro-Discharge Process

Abstract

An electrode is regarded as the most critical component of an Electro discharge Machining (EDM) process. Previously, when selecting electrode materials for a specific purpose, researchers examined the electrical and thermal conductivity. However, problems such as excessive wear with green compacted tools, increase toughness with sintered electrodes, poor rigidity with additively manufactured electrodes remained the key challenges. To address these issues, researchers are now investigating surface modification via electrode erosion by designing an EDM electrode of their choice for a specific application. As a result, this Mini-review paper discusses research efforts related to the fabrication of electrodes for EDM applications using various techniques such as Casting and machining, Electrodeposition, powder metallurgy, and additive manufacturing. Furthermore, this mini review aimed to provide insight into EDM electrode manufacturing via additive manufacturing, specifically the FDM method, as well as its benefits and drawbacks. Finally, suggestions for future research work on how to improve fussed Deposition Modelling (FDM) manufactured EDM electrode performance were highlighted.