The Role of the Dielectric Fluid in Electrical Discharge Machining

The dynamic behavior of the dielectric fluid and fluid contaminants, and some of the effects of the dielectric fluid behavior on the electrical discharge machining process variables are described. High speed photomicrographic records showing the dispersion of debris accompanying a single EDM discharge and the removal of the debris by the dielectric fluid flow are presented. Dielectric flushing effectiveness is discussed and curves of volume flow rate for deep cavities are presented. The volume flow rate data suggest that dielectric flushing pressure, the flushing parameter which is usually monitored during the EDM process, is not a very meaningful indication of flushing effectiveness.