Get to know the EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) and what it can be used for.
Generally, if a manufacturer wants to produce a specific piece of work with high precision, they may need machinery that can cut the workpiece in such a detailed manner, depending on the manufacturing process. For example, using a lathe or milling machine to produce the workpiece may have certain limitations, requiring the manufacturer to produce a more elaborate production process. An EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) is a highly useful machine for the mold manufacturing industry, due to its versatile capabilities and extremely high-performance, detailed workflow. So today, we’ll explain what an EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) is and how it can be used.
What is an EDM (Electric Discharge Machine)?
Electric Discharge Machine (EDM) refers to a metal cutting machine that uses electrical current. It cuts workpieces with high precision, unlike other cutting methods. It uses heat energy to remove material from the workpiece. This is done with electricity at a temperature of approximately 8,000 to 12,000 ºC. Manufacturers often turn to EDM when milling or turning processes cannot cut the desired shapes, such as complex interior corners and extra-deep workpieces. EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) can only be used with materials that are electrically conductive, such as steel, hardened steel, titanium, and aluminum.
Work suitable for using EDM (Electric Discharge Machine)
Typically, the most suitable jobs for an EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) are prototypes that require high precision, jobs that cannot be formed or machined with conventional methods, such as turning, milling, or grinding. They can be processed but are difficult due to their complex shape, or parts that have already been hardened, such as mold bases. An EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) is an automated machine. EDMs are capable of producing parts with frequent size or shape changes, as EDM can edit data directly within the program. Therefore, EDM is suitable for the production of prototypes or parts in production lines with medium production capacity.
There are two types of EDM (Electric Discharge Machine).
- Conventional EDM (Electric Discharge Machine)
Conventional EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) is the most widely accepted cutting tool for cutting complex workpieces. It is also the preferred method for solving sharp internal angles. Using graphite or copper electrodes as electrical conductors, the electrode creates a spark between the electrode and the workpiece. This makes conventional EDM the most popular choice. - Wire Cut EDM
A wire cut is another type of EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) that uses electrical current to cut. It is best suited for electrically eroded workpieces. The workpiece and electrode are immersed in a dielectric fluid (oil or synthetic lubricant), and the machine automatically guides the electrode to the workpiece using CNC technology. In wire EDM, the electrical charge penetrates the barrier between the chosen fluid as the electrode approaches the workpiece. Sparks are created when a small amount of material erodes the small particles by melting or vaporizing them. Wire EDM machines enable the use of hard, brittle, and fragile materials that are electrically conductive. By using electrical discharges from highly conductive wires, wire EDM machines can cut precise and complex shapes. However, this has a disadvantage: the impact can create stresses that distort the material during the cutting process and cause accelerated tool wear.
Limitations of EDM (Electric Discharge Machine)
The only limitation of an EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) is the choice of material for the workpiece. In EDM, the material must be electrically conductive. In conventional mechanical drilling, the tool physically contacts the material and is more of an abrasion process. The drill bit can “wander” due to its contact with the workpiece, especially when drilling into concave or convex areas. Problems associated with wandering can be exacerbated when drilling pre-hardened parts. Hardened metals with a hardness of 70 and above on the Rockwell C scale can be drilled with EDM. However, EDM is a thermal process in which the material is eroded away rather than machined. Therefore, the electrode does not contact the workpiece and there is no physical stress on the material itself.
From the above, it can be seen that an EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) is ideal for cutting hard metals. Factories can process highly precise and complex workpieces. Furthermore, it’s highly reliable and error-free. EDM machines are ideal for metal molding, plastic injection molding, and aluminum injection molding. This is why an EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) is essential for this process. If you’re looking for a quality EDM (Electric Discharge Machine) with excellent service, we recommend IDDA MACHINE TOOLS CO., LTD. We are the importer and distributor of industrial machinery such as EDM (Electric Discharge Machine), CNC Lathe, CNC Milling Machine, Plastic Injection Molding Machine, Wire Cutting Machine, Grinding Machine, Fiber Laser Cutting Machine, Band Saw Machine, as well as genuine spare parts and other high-quality tools according to ISO 9001 standards, with a team of expert technicians. We also have confidence in our quality after-sales service team, which we prioritize as our number 1 priority. Customers can therefore be confident in our service.
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