Wear-resist Electrodes for Micro-EDM

This article proposes a new type of electrode for micro-electro-discharge machining (micro-EDM), which can produce ultra fine micro components from various kinds of materials including those that cannot be processed by the silicon or the Lithographie Galvanoformung Abformung (LIGA) processings. This electrode is made by way of the electrodeposition process on the basis of the difference between the discharging performance of the electrodeposited coating and that of the matrix to ensure uniform wear of electrode bottom faces. With this electrode, micro-holes on ANK80 steel can be successfully manufactured in a short period of time. Compared to the traditional electrodes, Cu-ZrB₂ composite coating electrodes display better wear resistance on the same experimental conditions. The results disclose the prospects for this electrode to be used in producing micro components of high-aspect-ratio and 3D micro-cavities.