Parametric optimization of WEDM for EN AW 7075 alloy processed by ECAP

Abstract This study discusses the experimental investigation on WEDM of EN AW 7075 alloy deformed severely plastically by Equal Channel Angular Extrusion (ECAP). Experimentation has been executed by varying pulse-on time (Ton), pulse-off time (Toff), peak current (IP) and spark gap voltage (SV). The influence of these parameters was studied on the kerf width (KW), machining speed (MS). The set of machining parameters for experiments were prepared using central composite design (CCD) followed by response surface methodology (RSM). Optimization was carried out using Genetic algorithm. From machining performance analysis it can be inferred that longer pulse-on time which causes greater discharge energy, affects the most on the response parameters, hence leading to a higher amount of material removal causes an increase in machining speed and kerf width.