Electrode design using revolving entity extraction for high-efficiency electric discharge machining of integral shrouded blisk

The integral shrouded blisk provides better performance with minimum weight, but its semi-open structure presents problems for its production. Manufacturing processes of these components require a removal of about 70%-90% of material from their blanks. Multi-axis electrical discharge machining (EDM) is commonly used for these processes, but its poor efficiency cannot meet the requirements of mass production. Strong flushing assisted high-current discharge is able to improve the machining efficiency. In this paper, this method was applied to manufacture the integral shrouded blisk. An electrode design method was proposed. Taking the largest revolving entity inside the flow channel as the base geometry, this laminated arc-shaped hollow electrode meets the requirements such as high pressure flushing, tool wear compensation, and easy to be made. A 4-axis linkage machining tool path with planetary motion was proposed. Taking an integral guide vane ring as an example, it has been experimentally verified that the time consumption for each channel using this method was reduced to a half of the ordinary EDM method, while the finished surface quality remains same.