Surface integrity of Inconel 718 by wire-EDM at different energy modes

Inconel alloys including IN 718 alloy are widely used in turbomachinery industry due to their superior mechanical properties. Inconel alloys are very difficult to machine using cutting and grinding. Wire electrical discharge machining (W-EDM) is an alternative process to manufacture complex Inconel parts. However, little research has been done on surface integrity by W-EDMed IN 718. This study focuses on surface integrity of IN 718 by W-EDM at different modes of discharge energy. The results show that the EDMed surface topography shows dominant coral reef microstructures at high energy mode, while random microvoids are dominant at low energy modes. The average roughness can be significantly reduced at low energy mode. A thick white layer is predominantly discontinuous and non-uniform at relative high energy modes. Microvoids are confined within the thick white layers and no microcracks were found in the subsurface. A thin white layer by trim cut at low energy mode becomes continuous, uniform, and is free of voids. Compared to the bulk, white layers have dramatic reduction in microhardness. In addition, surface alloying from wire electrode and water dielectric is obvious in main cut, but it can be minimized in trim cuts.