Advantages of Wire EDM Cutting Services

Wire EDM machines can be programmed for vertical machining, orbital, vectorial, directional, helical, conical, rotational, spin, and indexing machining cycles. This versatility gives Electrical Discharge Machines many advantages over conventional machine tools.

• Any material that is electrically conductive can be cut using the EDM process.

• Hardened workpieces can be machined eliminating the deformation caused by heat treatment.

• X, Y, and Z axes movements allow for the programming of complex profiles using simple electrodes.

• Complex dies sections and molds can be produced accurately, faster, and at lower costs.

• The EDM process is burr-free.

• Thin fragile sections such as webs or fins can be easily machined without deforming the part.

The Wire EDM Cutting Process

The Encyclopedia Britannica gives a short explanation of EDM:

“EDM involves the direction of high-frequency electrical spark discharges from a graphite or soft metal tool, which serves as an electrode, to disintegrate electrically conductive materials such as hardened steel or carbide.”

To put it more simply, electrical discharge machining is a manufacturing process that precisely removes material from conductive materials using an electrode. Similar to pushing a form into soft material, the electrode leaves a negative imprint in the workpiece. The physical process is a little more complicated: In a small gap between workpiece and electrode, a discharge occurs that removes material through melting or vaporizing. For this process, the electrode and the workpiece have to be submerged in a dielectric fluid.

Electrical discharge machines have been used commercially for more than 30 years, with the tool and die industry being the first to adopt the technology. Since then, other manufacturing sectors like aerospace, military, medical, electronics, and more have turned to EDM cutting services to create intricate parts.

If you are in need of wire EDM cutting services, contact us today for a quote!