Machinability Studies on Wire Electrical Discharge Machining of Aluminium Based Metal Matrix Composite for Automotive Applications

The advanced lifestyle demands materials that are light and robust, and aluminum and its alloys are commonly used in various engineering components due to their exceptional properties such as light weight, enhanced strength, and being economically affordable. Due to their superior mechanical properties, such as strength and flexibility, are commonly used in various industrial applications. Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) are very essential materials used in several applications as they are more robust and harder than any conventional material. In this study, a metal matrix composite made of aluminum and Boron Nitride (BN) is investigated to analyze its various properties. The study is performed by using Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM). The three independent parameters of the composite are its pulse on time, peak current, and pulse off time. The study aims to analyze the effects of various process variables on the desired performance of the metal matrix composite. Through multiple regression analysis, the researchers can identify the relationship between the variables and the desired characteristics. The results of the study revealed that the output and input parameters of the metal matrix composite are related to the surface roughness and material removal rate. The significance of the process variables was analyzed using an ANOVA method. It was found that the pulse on time is the most important factor that affects the performance of the metal matrix composite. The findings of the study revealed that the various process variables can affect the performance of a metal matrix composite. This study is useful in identifying the optimal process parameters that will be used by the manufacturer to achieve the desired results.