Parametric Study on Stainless Steel 316L by Die Sinking EDM for Biomedical Application

The electric discharge machine has been acknowledged as a better technique for modification of the surface for biomedical implants. It has many advantages over previously used techniques. Machining by EDM holds many advantages like an increase in wear resistance due to microstructural changes, deposition of oxide and carbide layer over workpiece which enhances the corrosion resistance of material and porosity of material also increases which encourages ingrowth of tissue and transportation of body fluid into it. Increases in surface roughness of elements increase the surface area available for interaction with the bone so higher surface roughness (SR) of biomaterial shows better bone fixation with it than smoother surfaces. In growth of tissues is revealed with higher SR. The parametric study was performed, aiming at increasing the SR of SS 316L for biomedical use and graphite as an electrode was used. Effect of variation in Current (Id), pulse on time (Tp) and servo voltage (Vd) on SR were studied. Taguchi method was used to evaluate maximum SR. ANOVA was used to identify the most significant factor.