An investigation on machining performance and surface alloying characteristic of powder metallurgy electrodes with boron carbide addition

This study aimed to make electrode from ceramic materials by powder metallurgy method for electric discharge machining, using this electrode on Electrical Discharge Machining and to make alloying the electrode material into the work piece surface for increase hardness and abrasion resistance on work piece surface. In this experimental study, electrodes consist of 20% boron carbide which used because of their high melting temperature, high hardness, low density, high resistance against chemical agents and 80% copper powder. This study will lead to use boron carbide in another field which has wide application areas and world most reserves in our country in terms of quantity. First of all boron carbide ? copper and copper powder pressed in mold and green electrodes have produced. Then green electrodes had been sintered. Also cylindrical copper bar electrodes have produced. Experimental study made with those electrodes under four different process conditions and electrode wear rates (EWR), material removal rates (MRR) and relative electrode wear (REW) values have compared. XRF, SEM, EDS analysis and optic microscope research have performed for look into alloying material on work piece surface.Also machined surfaces roughness, hardness and wear characteristics have investigated.