Synthesis and evaluation of machining characteristics of Cu-Al-Mn ternary shape memory alloys using CNC wire electric discharge machining

Cu-Al-Mn ternary shape memory alloys (SMAs) obtained through ingot metallurgy process by using induction furnace. Specimens prepared by varying percentage of aluminium (10-15wt. %) and manganese (2-10wt.%). Application of these SMAs requires it to be fabricated to required shape. Machinability of SMAs has not been investigated to shape the alloy. In the present work machining characteristics of Cu-Al-Mn ternary shape memory alloys are investigated by WEDM machining process. The effect of input parameters like Current (I), Diameter of the wire (D) and Wire Speed (S) on Material Removal Rate (MRR) in WEDM of Cu-Al-Mn ternary shape memory alloys was studied. The WEDM specimens and cross section of ternary alloys were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope. The obtained results indicated that, the MRR increases with increase in wire speed and diameter of the wire. A SEM image indicates the surface morphology of the machined surface.