Optimization of Process Parameters for Electro Discharge Machining of Al 7075-Al ₂ O ₃ Nano Composite Using Different Electrode Materials

In the present study, an aluminium based nanocomposite, reinforced with 2 wt. % aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) is developed through stir casting method. These hard ceramic particles also influence the material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface finish (R_a) in an electro-discharge machining (EDM) process. In this work, EDM of Al 7075/2 wt. % Al₂O₃ nanocomposite is carried out using copper and brass electrodes using Taguchi L₁₈ array. The percentage contribution of each process parameter on the response variables was determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multi-response signal to noise ratio (MRSN) and the optimum combination levels for the input parameters was obtained using Taguchi’s parametric design. MRR and surface roughness are substantially improved when machining is performed at optimized conditions.