Many of today’s turbine blades, stents and optical mirror finishing parts are being made using EDM processes. Here’s what you need to know about zapping your materials free from their raw form.
It’s electric. It’s fascinating. And it’s making a real impact in manufacturing. Zion Market Research pegs the electrical discharge machining industry at roughly $4.6 billion in 2017—and expects it to grow to nearly $8 billion by 2024.
A rising number of CNC turning and milling shops are using EDM to create part features that are otherwise impossible to machine. These components are primarily found in the aerospace and medical industries. Today’s automotive industry is generally not using EDM except in some tooling applications.
EDM does mean adoption of new machining practices. It’s not “traditional” CNC machinery. There are graphite and copper electrodes to understand and manage, a need for the proper work holding and application-specific software.
None of it is particularly difficult to do, but like any new technology, it requires some initial investment as well as an open mind. The good news for job shops is that EDM opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.
What Is Electrical Discharge Machining and How Does It Work?
Electrical discharge machining uses electrical energy to “erode” workpiece material. It generates a series of high-frequency sparks between an electrically conductive workpiece and an electrode made of copper, brass, graphite or tungsten, and alloys from each of them.
As the spark jumps from the electrode to the workpiece, it carries away microscopic bits of material that are then flushed away by a dielectric fluid. The fluid is generally deionized water or a specialized non-conductive oil. Extremely fine finishes are possible, as well as accuracies best measured in microns.
There are three distinct types of EDM: Wire EDM, also called “WEDM,” EDM hole drills, and conventional, or “sinker,” EDM. They all rely on the same principle of high-energy erosion and are all available with up to five axes of motion—but you can get more axes with a rotary attachment.
All three are able to machine everything from aluminum to carbide, provided the material is conductive. One key difference, however, is the electrode, which can be thought of as a cutting tool.
What Is Wire EDM?
WEDM uses a spool of copper or brass alloy wire that is continuously fed through the workpiece. Think of it as a highly accurate bandsaw.
Typical wire diameters range from .004 inches to .012 inches, although wires down to .0006 inches are available. WEDM is widely used in the tool and die industry, and for cutting small slots and similarly difficult features in medical components.
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It was really helpful when you said that they can machine small workpieces. My brother was telling me a couple of weeks ago about how he is starting a project at his work in a couple of weeks, and that he was wondering what CNC machining services he should look into using. I'll make sure to pass this information along to him so that he can look into finding an EDM service to help him. https://wireedmsolutions.com/wire-edm-service/
23Hi.First of all,i wanna say thanks for your good information about What is EDM about.That is my daily job for the past 18 years.The day i start to learn about EDM, i was teached by my superior how to prepare/deburr the parts,to clean the table and even polishing the electrode.From manual EDM machine such as Taiwan's Hsiu Fong,Ard,New Ard,Dophen to CNC machine Sodick and Makino we experience to making new mould and modification job to our customer.Our customer are mostly from Europe country such as Dyson,HP,Keurig,Triump,Seagate etc.
22Hi Gon Due, we're glad you appreciate the article. Thank you for sharing your EDM experience with us and congratulations on 18 years in the field, that's quite an accomplishment!
22Hi my Name is paulchris frist off all thank you for sharing this important info about what is EDM…
It’s really very nice post regarding the EDM.
thank you again
20It is a wonderful article stating about beyond cnc what electrical discharge machining. This article is very helpful. This article mentions and acts as such a moving trigger. It is an article worth applauding for based on its content. This is a great post; I will share as much as I can.
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30According to Value Market Research, the latest technology trends and global market opportunity analysis in the Die Sinking Electrical Discharge Machine Market industry growing with a high CAGR in the upcoming year. Our report has categorized the market based on technology, service, development, vertical and region. https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/report/die-sinking-electrical-discha...
23This is really informative. Thanks for sharing
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