Aspects on the optimization of die-sinking EDM of tungsten carbide-cobalt

At present, due to their properties, the tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) composite materials are in huge demand by industry to manufacture special tools, dies/molds and components under erosion. The powder metallurgy is the usual process applied to obtain WC-Co products, but in some cases this process is unable to produce tools of very complex shapes and highly intricate details. Thus, additional conventional and non-conventional machining processes are required. In this context, the electrical discharge machining (EDM) is an efficient alternative process. However, the EDM parameters have to b...