Three-dimensional machining of insulating ceramics materials with electrical discharge machining

The insulating ceramics were processed with sinking and wire cut electrical discharge machining(EDM). The new technology was named as the assisting electrode method. In the machining, the electrical conductive material was adhered on the surface of insulating workpiece as the starting point of electrical discharge. As the processing operated in oil, the electrical conductive product composed of decomposition carbon element from working oil adhered on the workpiece during discharge. The discharges generated continuously with the formation of the electrical conductive layer. So, the insulating ceramics turn to the machinable material by EDM. We introduced the mechanism and the application of the machining of insulating ceramics such as Si3N4 and ZrO2.