Determination of Optimal Cutting Parameters for the Wire EDM Process using Non Traditional Optimization Techniques

The tool and die making industry has always been faced with an increasing demand for precision and accuracy. The necessity to machine hard materials, complex shapes and contours which are difficult by conventional methods has created the need for Wire Electro Discharge Machine (WEDM). The economy of machining mainly depends on the machining parameters. Optimization of machining parameters is an important step and has been dealt by many researchers. In this paper Genetic algorithm {GA}, Simulated annealing (SA) and Continuous Ants Colony algorithm (CACO) based optimization procedures have been developed to optimize machining parameters viz. pulse on time, pulse off time, peak current, wire feed rate, and machining speed. The Objective functions considered for the optimization of cutting parameters are viz. maximization of Metal Removal Rate (MRR) and minimization of surface roughness. Test results show that among the other optimization techniques, CACO Is an effective method for wire EDM.