Journal of Applied Sciences1812-56541812-5662Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/jas.2011.549.554RahmanM. M.R. KhanM. A.KadirgamaK. NoorM. M.BakarR. A.32011113This study presents the experimental investigation of the machining characteristics of austenitic stainless steel 304 through electric discharge machining. The effectiveness of the EDM process with stainless steel is evaluated in terms of the removal rate (MRR), the Tool Wear Rate (TWR) and the surface roughness of the work-piece produced. The experimental work is conducted utilizing Die Sinking electrical discharge machine of AQ55L model. Cylindrical copper electrode having a size of Ø19x37 mm and positive polarity for electrode (reverse polarity) is used to machine austenitic stainless steel 304 materials. The work material holds tensile strength of 580 and 290 MPa as yield strength. The size of the work-piece was Ø22x30 mm. Investigations indicate that increasing the peak current increases the MRR and the surface roughness. The TWR increases with peak ampere until 150 μ sec pulse-on time. From the experimental results no tool wear condition is noted for copper electrode at long pulse-on time with reverse polarity. The optimal pulse-on time is changed with high ampere.]]>Beri, N., S. Maheshwari, C. Sharma and A. Kumar,20082167171Bojorquez, N., R.T. Marloth and O.S. Ea-Said,200299397Chow, H.M., L.D. Yang, C.T. Lin and Y.F. Chen,2008195160170Dorf, R.C. and A. Kusiak,1994pp: 1064pp: 1064Kansal, H.K., S. Singh and P. Kumar,200791322Kiyak, M. and O. Cakir,2007191141144Lee, S.H. and X.P. Li,2001115344358Mandal, D., S.K. Pal and P. Saha,2007186154162Mohan, B., A. Rajadurai and K.G. Satyanarayana,2004153-154978985Puertas, I. and C.J. Luis,2003143-144521526Singh, S., S. Maheshwari and P.C. Pandey,200449272277Smith, W.F. and J. Hashemi,20064th Edn.,pp: 1-1046pp: 1-1046Theisen, W. and A. Schuermann,2004378200204Tsai, H.C., B.H. Yan and F.Y. Huang,200342245252Tsai, Y.Y., C.H. Tseng and C.K. Chang,2008201565569Wang, P.J. and K.M. Tsai,2001114117Wu, K.L., B.H. Yanb, J.W. Lee and C.G. Ding,200920937833789Wu, K.L., B.H. Yan, F.Y. Huang and S.C. Chen,20054511951201