Wire electrical discharge machining of 3Y-TZP/Ta ceramic-metal composites

Besides exceptional mechanical properties, SPS sintered 3Y-TZP/Ta composites also showed the electrical conductivity suited to wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM). Therefore, they are suitable to be produced in mechanically performant, complex shape components with the required tolerance while reducing machining costs. The aim of this work was the study of the electrical properties of the materials as well as the characteristics of the machining process and the machined surfaces influence on the bending strength of composites. The results show that workpieces can be machined with high accuracy and without a drop in mechanical strength.