Parallel resonance pulse generator for micro wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM)

In order to improve the machining efficiency and surface quality of micro wire electrical discharge machining (Micro WEDM), this paper developed a new Micro WEDM pulse generator by applying the principle of parallel resonance. This pulse generator obtains zero voltage or zero current switch condition at the two ends of MOSFET transistor by utilizing its auxiliary circuit's high frequency resonance caused by inductance and capacitance, which can decrease the consumption of switch device, increase frequency of switch, and achieve very narrow pulse on-time and small energy of single pulse. Compared with traditional pulse generators, this pulse generator enhances the machining efficiency and surface quality of Micro WEDM. It can machine high quality micro gear with diameter of addendum 0.3 mm easily. The experiments show that the parallel resonance type Micro WEDM pulse generator can improve overall process performances, and provide technology guarantee for expanding machining field.