2024-03-15
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a non-contact machining method used to cut unimaginable complex shapes and cavities in very hard materials. When the workpiece and electrode are immersed in a dielectric fluid, the high electrical potential at the electrode finds a path to ground through the workpiece. Each spark generates localized temperature spikes of up to 12,000°C. This temperature will melt or evaporate excess parts of the workpiece.
Three machining types of EDM?
- Wire EDM
Wire EDM uses a wire as a "cutter" to erode the material through sparks between the wire and the workpiece. Wire electrodes discharge along and penetrate the entire length of the cut, helping to remove chips. This method allows for free cutting. When combined with EDM drilling (for fixing electrodes), it is most commonly used to manufacture extrusion tools and punches/dies
- Die-sinking EDM
Die-sinking EDM also called "punch" or "cavity" EDM, uses electrical discharge from a basic 2D electrode. The electrode can have any cross-sectional shape and complex end shapes.
- Drilling EDM
Drilling EDM was the first electrical discharge machining process and remains an important tool in a variety of fields, including rocket engines, gas discharge control in medical and scientific equipment, and open cooling channels in gas turbine blades, deep, straight, and small holes can only be machined by drilling EDM.
What is the purpose of using EDM machining services?
EDM can replace traditional machining processes for hard materials, especially for machining refractory metals and complex shapes. Wire EDM can reach the tolerances standard which can’t be machined by CNC machining. Drilling EDM can also achieve tolerances in diameter and roundness. EDM can finish with high precision and a very high-quality surface finish. It reduces the cost of complex components.
What materials are suitable for EDM machining services?
The most common materials used in EDM are those that are difficult to machine with other common processes, such as tungsten, molybdenum, and hardened tool steel.
The materials that will be hardened during machining, such as titanium and austenitic stainless steels, are suitable materials for EDM machining service. These materials become increasingly difficult to cut during processing because they will harden during machining. The hardening often influences the accuracy of the part.
What applications of EDM machining services?
EDM can be used for a variety of applications, including complex cavity shapes, which are 3D relief shapes cut into the base of 2D blind holes. It is difficult to extract precise 2D shapes from materials and drill elongated holes in any metal material. EDM does not stress the workpiece and can drill any cross-section with a good surface finish in one step.
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is used to create molds for plastic injection molding and metal die casting. It is also used to create complex cavities in the hardening materials. EDM is very useful because of its ability to create precision and complex cavity shapes, and it can finish deep cuts. The aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries also use EDM to create prototypes and custom parts
EDM machining services at DMTC
The reasons why you should choose DMTC Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) services:
- DMTC EDM machining services provide high levels of accuracy and precision, producing parts with consistent dimensions and tolerances.
- DMTC EDM machining services enable the production of complex shapes that are difficult to achieve by other machining processes.
- EDM can machine hardening materials that are difficult to cut by other methods.
- EDM machining services can achieve high-volume production for identical parts.
- DMTC has extensive experience in EDM, ensuring your parts are produced with the highest standards.
