This paper aims to study the influence of wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) parameters, namely, wire speed and spindle feed on subsurface characteristics of AA6061-T6 aerospace alloy.

    Design/methodology/approach

    The experiments were done at wire speed of 90−130 mm/min at servo feed of 20 mm/min and servo feed of 12−28 mm/min at wire speed of 110 mm/min. These process parameters were analyzed basing on the inferences made from the pilot experiments. A WEDM of Sodick make, VZ300L model and deionized water as dielectric medium, a copper wire electrode of Ø 0.25 mm were used in this work.

    Findings

    Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-hardness investigations conducted along the subsurface reveal the formation of the white layer due to rapid solidification commenced during the WEDM process. SEM investigations reveal a variation in the thickness of rapidly solidified layer with varying wire speed and servo feed. In general, it has been observed for all experimental conditions, hardness of the alloy decreases as we move away from the white layer.

    Practical implications

    AA6061 alloys in the aluminum alloy family are well recognized as potential materials for aerospace applications including rotor blades, engine parts, aircraft wings and fuselages and other structural applications owing to their superior extrudability, malleability, formability, thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.

    Originality/value

    This paper proposes a novel vertical of WEDM process and substantiates the influence of WEDM parameters on surface and subsurface characteristics of AA6061-T6 aerospace alloy.


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    Title :

    Surface and subsurface hardenability of AA6061-T6 aerospace alloy machined by WEDM


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2025-05-26


    Size :

    7 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English