Electrical Discharge Machining
Wire EDM and Sinker EDM
Machine hard conductive materials and fine features without conventional cutting forces from a rotating tool.
- Wire EDM
- Through profiles in electrically conductive materials
- Sinker EDM
- Blind cavities and shaped internal features
- Integration
- Combine with milling, turning, grinding, and inspection
Applications
Geometry that benefits from non-contact material removal
Tooling Components
Dies, punches, inserts, electrodes, mold details, and precision fixtures.
Hard Materials
Cut hardened steels and other conductive alloys after heat treatment.
Fine Internal Forms
Create narrow slots, small internal radii, and sharp profile transitions.
Delicate Parts
Reduce conventional cutting forces on thin or difficult-to-clamp features.
Process Comparison
Select wire, sinker, or a combined route
| Process | Geometry | Key Planning Point |
|---|---|---|
| Wire EDM | Through-cut profiles, tapers, slots, and contours | Wire path and start hole must reach the cut |
| Sinker EDM | Blind pockets, cavities, ribs, and shaped internal forms | A matching electrode and flushing strategy are required |
| EDM Drilling | Small start holes and selected deep conductive holes | Diameter, depth, breakthrough, and recast requirements |
| EDM plus Grinding | Tooling and high-precision reference surfaces | Operation sequence and final datum control |
Materials
Electrically conductive materials
Design Guidance
Define the feature and final surface clearly
Show Start Holes
For closed wire-cut features, define allowable start-hole location and whether it remains in the part.
Specify Corner Intent
EDM can make small radii, but true zero-radius internal corners are not physically produced.
Control Recast Requirements
State surface integrity, skim passes, recast-layer limits, and downstream polish needs.
Plan Datums
Explain how EDM features relate to machined and ground reference surfaces.
FAQ
EDM questions
Does EDM work on plastic?
Standard EDM requires an electrically conductive workpiece, so most plastics are not suitable.
Can EDM cut hardened steel?
Yes. It is frequently used after heat treatment because material hardness has less impact on the cutting mechanism than in conventional machining.
Can EDM be combined with CNC machining?
Yes. Milling or turning can create primary geometry and datums before EDM completes fine or inaccessible features.
Quote Precision EDM