What is wire EDM?

Wire EDM (electric discharge machining) is a method of high precision machining for cutting almost any electrically conductive material.  A constant flow of electrically charged wire (.004" -.012" diameter) held between upper and lower mechanical guides create the electrode.  An electrical discharge between the wire and the work piece create precisely controlled sparks that erode away material with extreme accuracy. The wire and work piece are both submerged in nonconductive, deionized water, which cools and flushes away eroded metal particles. The temperature of the fluid is regulated to match the atmospheric conditions in the shop to eliminate thermal expansion that is common with traditional machining practices. This eliminates thermal movement and provides a stable environment for the close tolerances that EDM is capable of. Since the wire never makes physical contact with the work piece, no cutting forces are involved. This makes it possible to manufacture delicate pieces, or parts which may be challenging to hold due to their shape. This also contributes to the fact that the hardness of the material being cut has little effect on the EDM process. In fact, difficult to machine alloys such as Inconel and carbide are only a few of the materials that can be easily machined using wire EDM.

Wire EDM is widely used in various industries due to its precision and ability to work with hard materials. Common applications include:

• Tool and Die Making: Creating molds, dies, and punches.
• Aerospace Components: Manufacturing parts that require high precision and tight tolerances.
• Medical Devices: Producing intricate components for surgical instruments and implants.
• Automotive Parts: Cutting complex shapes for engine components and other critical parts.
• Petro Chemical Component Manufacturing: Wire EDM is used to create complex parts such as valves, fittings, and connectors that are essential in petrochemical processing. These components often require precise dimensions to ensure proper functioning under high pressure and temperature conditions.