Influence of coated tool electrode on drilling Inconel alloy 718 in Electrochemical micro machining

Since Inconel-718 alloy is high hardened material, it is very difficult to machine the alloy with complex shape using conventional machining process. In the present study, an endeavor has been made to drill the Inconel alloy 718 in micro level using electro chemical machining processes. It has been attempted to find the influence of coatings over copper tool electrode on performance criteria for enhancing the ECM process. From the experimental results, it has been observed that nickel coated copper electrode has produced 7.2% higher material removal whereas chromium coated electrode has produced 19% lower surface roughness over machined alloy specimens. (c) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.