Feeding with perturbations in the EDM process of an integral shrouded blisk

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) has been recommended as the most effective way to produce an integral shrouded blisk, whereas its low machining efficiency cannot meet the batch production requirements of this component. An electrode feeding method with perturbations in the EDM process of the integral shrouded blisk is proposed, in which extra perturbations are periodically added on the original feeding path. Those perturbations are perpendicular to the original feeding path and are determined by two parameters: separation distance and perturbation factor. The optimal perturbation parameters for blisk EDM machining are experimented to be a separation distance of 2.5 mm combined with a perturbation factor of 30%. Compared with the electrode feeding method without perturbations, that with perturbations had a better discharge status. A machining time reduction of 18.45% was achieved in the EDM process of a real integral shrouded blisk by using the electrode feeding method with perturbations.