Techniques for improved surface integrity of electrodischarge machined ceramic composites

Good surface integrity is frequently, required of structural ceramic components, since the lifetime of a ceramic component is, in most cases, determined bq, its surface features. hi this stung: two mechanical surface treatments, i.e. ultrasonic and abrasive blasting surface finishing, have been introduced to the surface of electrodischarge machined ceramic composites to improve their surface integrity. The surface roughness, hardness, and topography of the ceramic composites were examined after electrodischarge machining (EDM) and surface treatment. The effect of surface integrity on the strength and its distribution was investigated. Results show that ultrasonic and abrasive blasting surface finishing can produce an improvement in both flexural strength and Weibull modulus, and are two effective procedures to improve the surface integrity of the EDM ceramic composites.