Abstract:TiNi shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been normally used as the competent elements in large part of the industries due to outstanding properties, such as super elasticity and shape memory effects. However, traditional machining of SMAs is quite complex due to these properties. Hence, the wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) characteristics of TiNi SMA was studied. The experiments were planned as per L₂₇ orthogonal array to minimize the experiments, each experiment was performed under different conditions of pulse duration, pulse off time, servo voltage, flushing pressure and wire speed. A multi-response optimization method using Taguchi design with utility concept has been proposed for simultaneous optimization. The analysis of means (ANOM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) on signal to noise (S/N) ratio were performed for determining the optimal parameter levels. Taguchi analysis reveals that a combination of 1 μs pulse duration, 3.8 μs pulse off time, 40 V servo voltage, 1.8×10⁵ Pa flushing pressure and 8 m/min wire speed is beneficial for simultaneously maximizing the material removal rate (MRR) and minimizing the surface roughness. The optimization results of WEDM of TiNi SMA also indicate that pulse duration significantly affects the material removal rate and surface roughness. The discharged craters, micro cracks and recast layer were observed on the machined surface at large pulse duration.

Key words: TiNi shape memory alloy; wire electric discharge machining (WEDM); surface roughness; material removal rate; surface morphology