Electrical discharge machining with ultralow discharge energy

The possibility of electrical discharge machining (EDM) with ultralow discharge energy has been investigated. EDM using an RC discharge circuit was performed at low open-circuit voltages and a capacitance of approximately 30 pF. Workpieces were ultrasonically vibrated to remove debris and bubbles from the discharge gap, thus preventing short-circuiting. The machining proceeded at voltages lower than 15 V at a vibration amplitude of 0.4 μm. The maximum discharge energy per pulse is as small as approximately 3 nJ under these conditions. The volumetric electrode wear ratio can be 0.2% at voltages lower than 40 V, while it is normally more than 1% for EDM using an RC discharge circuit. Workpiece surfaces processed at voltages of 20 V or lower are smooth and free of observable discharge craters, and show no typical features of surfaces machined by EDM.