Different Approaches for Optimising the Micro-machining Quality Parameters of Composite Materials Using Electrochemical Discharge Machining (ECDM) for Societal Application—A Review

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) is a nonconventional machining process used to make micro features on composites, glass, and ceramics. Different composite materials have been studied during the ECDM process, such as silicon carbide, fibre composites, ceramic composite, polymer composite, etc. Composites are very useful in aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics due to their hard, brittle and better strength-to-weight ratio. Consequently, the micro-machining of composites by conventional machining is challenging due to its hard and brittle nature. To overcome these challenges, ECDM is a promising option. ECDM is a hybrid machining process based on electrical discharge machining (EDM) and electrochemical machining (ECM). In this paper, different hybrid techniques have been reviewed, which are employed to enhance the machining performance of ECDM. Magnetic field (MF), ultrasonic vibrations (UV), stirring effect, LASER assistance, and rotary motion of the tool are some examples of hybrid techniques. Two or more hybrid techniques will be a novel approach to enhance the performance of ECDM.