This paper presents an experimental study on using metalized stereolithography (SL) models as electrodes for electrical discharge machining (EDM). The experimental results reveal that under roughing, semi-roughing and finishing of EDM machining, a copper-plated SL model works as well as a regular copper electrode until the thickness of the copper layer equals the depth of the largest crater burned on the copper layer by the electrical discharge. The performance tables of copper-plated SL electrodes vs. those of regular solid copper electrodes are generated. The EDM process parameters whose values sharply change when the epoxy surface gets burned are observed and analyzed. The plating thickness required to prevent burning of the SL electrode is discussed.
| Number of Pages : | 6 |
| Published : | 11/01/1998 |
