Like many others, you might be interested in some background about EDM services and what they involve. Here is a closer look:
1. What do EDM services include?
EDM or electrical discharge machining services include three different types of machining: sinker EDM, wire EDM, and small-hole EDM. The difference in these processes is the type of electrode used. Selection of process depends on the desired results.
2. What is the history of machine shops and EDM?
EDM has roots 250 years ago when, in 1770 during an experiment, English physicist Joseph Priestley first noted the erosive effect of electrical discharges.
It wasn’t until 1943 though, that two Russian scientists harnessed and controlled that erosive electrical spark with the first R-C-type EDM machine. At the same time, in the United States three scientists developed an EDM machine for removing broken drills from aluminum castings.
Over time, engineers built on the technology with machines that produced thousands of sparks per second to quickly cut through metal. By the 1960s, wire EDM machines had evolved for common use. First, in the USSR, they used a wire electrode and made tool dies from hardened steel. In the United States, wire EDM machines were created that could follow line drawings. Uses continued growing and by 1976, the first CNC EDM machine was in production.
In recent decades, commercial wire EDM capability has advanced substantially. Today’s machine shops manufacture intricate and complex parts for a broad range of industries including military, medical and aerospace.
3. What are some common capabilities?
EDM offers extremely tight tolerance machining technologies. Whether making simple shapes or complex designs, precision parts can be produced from any conductive material, from stainless and alloy steel to aluminum, copper, iron, and high-strength, high-temperature metals such as Inconel, molybdenum, and more.
4. How does EDM work?
Electrical Discharge Machining or EDM is also known as “spark machining.” It works as repetitive electrical discharges (sparks) remove metal to create a custom cavity. Electrical discharges pass between the electrode and the metal part – the two never touch – through a dielectric liquid such as oil or deionized water. The liquid provides an inert atmosphere for discharge to take place, removes metal remnants and keeps the temperature stable.
The process is one of the most accurate and versatile machining techniques. It can cut small or odd-shaped angles, intricate contours, or cavities in pre-hardened steel. Among its advantages is the ability to cut fragile or hardened parts without deforming them.
5. What are typical materials?
Sparks or electrical discharges from eight to 20,000 F are used to cut away at conductive material such as:
- Brass
- Bronze
- Carbon graphite
- Carbon steel
- Copper
- Hastalloy
- Inconel
- Kovar
- Stainless steel
- Titanium
- Tungsten
6. Which services do customers often need?
Whether requirements call for a simple shape or complex design, EDM is an efficient way to achieve delicate features, intricate contours, and thin-walled sections as well as drill deep, micro-sized holes in workpieces. EDM works with dimensions as large as 25.0″ in length x 25.0″ in width x 16.0″ in height.
Our services include:
PRODUCTION WIRE EDM AND ROBOTICS
Request a Quote today if you’d like to know more or if you want to discuss your needs. Or, call 216-525-0920.