An ideal EDM process delivers identical shape and energy for each discharge. In reality, this is not possible.
The estimated efficiency ratio for uEDM is between 30 and 50% [2], meaning that the rest of
the discharges are not optimal. Short circuits, open circuits or long arc discharges do not only impact effective machining, but also have negative effects on electrode wear, form distortion, and process speed.
An optimal discharge – in reality – only occurs if the environmental parameters are optimal at the time the discharge takes place.
Therefore it is of great importance to deliver, if not optimal, at least constant environmental parameters to be able to find a suitable
generator setup.
One way to achieve this is the regulation of the discharge gap width. Only at an optimum value, influenced by the properties of the medium filling the gap, can an efficient discharge take place.
The discharge gap width is commonly regulated based on the mean gap voltage (u) that delivers different levels for the normal, short or open circuit state.
Depending on this and a set target value, the electrode is fed or withdrawn (feed s) (Fig. 3).
Novel approaches at Fraunhofer IWU and TU Chemnitz aim to develop a current-based predictive process control to reduce the reaction delay and increase the efficiency ratio of uEDM.
However, since the discharge duration is in the range of 100 ns, new algorithms and fast, microprocessor-based systems have to be implemented.
Of course, the more stable the gap conditions are, the less short-circuiting and time-consuming intervention of the gap width regulation occurs.
An optimal gap flushing is therefore crucial.
High-aspect ratio micro bores with tool diameters of less than 100 um, however, present the
most difficult flushing conditions.
In uEDM, many conventional strategies of gap flushing (Fig. 4), such as high-pressure flushing or flushing through bores in the tool electrode, are, because of the small size
and fragility of the tool, not available.
The rotational flushing loses efficiency due to the small tool diameter and the resulting low circumferential speed.
Furthermore, as mentioned before, to achieve maximum precision, the discharge gap has to be minimised.
Currently, in uEDM, gap widths of wGP ≤ 10 um are common.
The combination of these factors leads to large difficulties in efficient flushing and new approaches have to be taken to ensure stable process conditions.
One option is the direct vibration of the workpiece, which can be considered a high frequency version of the flushing by lifting principle.