Performance and surface integrity studies in electric discharge machining on Ti-6Al-4 V using neem oil dielectric and 3D Printed SS316L electrode

Abstract

Bio-dielectric fluids and advanced 3D printed electrodes are essential for sustainable, precise Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) of critical Ti-6Al-4 V aerospace components. In this study, neem biodiesel dielectric and a precisely manufactured 3D-printed stainless-steel electrode were used to identify optimal EDM parameters that maximize material removal rate (MRR) and minimize tool wear rate (TWR) and surface roughness (SR). The experiments were carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) with Box–Behnken design (BBD). Regression models showed high predictive accuracy (R² > 0.98). An integrated MEREC-CoCoSo multi-response optimization approach was subsequently applied to the experimental results to obtain the best output values. The results revealed the optimal setting as current (Ip) of 30 A, pulse-on time (Ton) of 0.3 s, and voltage gap (Vg) of 60 V. The interaction between Ton and Vg strongly influenced MRR, TWR, and SR. MRR first increased and then slightly decreased as Vg was raised from 60 V to 80 V. It also showed a marginal increase as Ton increased from 0.2 s to 0.4 s. In contrast, both TWR and SR increased sharply with higher Vg and longer Ton. Surface morphology analysis at the optimal setting showed fewer surface flaws, smaller craters, thinner recast layers, and lower porosity. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis confirmed the transfer of material from the 3D-printed electrode to the workpiece. This work provides a practical guide for industrial applications, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of using novel electrode materials and eco-friendly dielectrics in sustainable EDM.