Dependence of Quality and Productivity on the Type of Wire Electrode in WEDM of HSS

Currently, one of the most used electrodes are brass wire electrodes, which, thanks to their good electrical conductivity, suitable mechanical properties and acceptable performance, can meet the high demands placed on the cutting tool. A special type are coated wire electrodes, which include a range of specifics regarding machining efficiency and the quality of the machined surface. Therefore, the aim of the research was to identify these parameters based on the experiments carried out in connection with the quality of the machined surface and the productivity of the electro-erosive process in the machining of high-speed steels. The influence of a standard brass multipurpose wire electrode and two brass wire electrodes coated with a double layer of gamma diffuse zinc and zinc alloy on the quality of the machined surface and the productivity of the EDM process was investigated.