Electrical Discharge Machining in Ten Articles

Throughout the years, Modern Machine Shop has written extensively about Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM).

EDM is capable of machining complex shapes in hard materials. The process includes an electrode and a workpiece, both submerged in dielectric fluid. Electrical current flows between the workpiece and electrode, repeatedly creating tiny plasma zones that instantaneously melt and remove the material. 

From the process of buying a wire EDM to 3D printed parts and beyond, here are ten of the most read EDM articles from Modern Machine Shop.

The Hidden Cost Of EDM Wire Consumption

Excessive wire consumption on a wire electrical discharge machine is costly. Technology that allows slower unspooling speeds without compromising results appears to be the answer.

Buying a Wire EDM, Part 1: How It Works

Wire EDMs can cut parts that require a level of accuracy, intricacy and fine surface finish that traditional machining methods cannot achieve. Here’s how it works.

Buying a Wire EDM, Part 2: Wire Considerations

Each type of EDM wire has its strengths and weaknesses. This post reviews wire types, the importance of tensile strength and wire rethreading. 

Buying a Wire EDM, Part 3: Speed, Accuracy and Finish

The two things every wire electrical discharge machine (EDM) user wants are speed and accuracy. Unfortunately, these objectives are usually incompatible.

Buying a Wire EDM, Part 4: Dielectric Fluid & Maintenance

Removing the microscopic particles made during the wire EDM cutting process becomes a key factor in maximizing cutting speed as well as attaining part accuracy and surface finish. Dielectric fluid is the mechanism for flushing these “chips” away.

Machining 101: What is Electrical Discharge Machining?

Electrical discharge machining, or EDM, is a non-contact form of machining that projects sparks from an electrode or wire to vaporize material of any hardness.

Cutting AM Parts from Build Plate Turns Wire EDM Upside Down

GF Machining Solutions found it had to modify nearly every aspect of a wire EDM machine to efficiently handle the challenges of removing 3D printed parts from build plates. Here is a look at a machine tool developed entirely for the needs of metal additive manufacturing.

Where Micro-Laser Machining Is the Focus

A company that was once a consulting firm has become a successful micro-laser machine shop producing complex parts and features that most traditional CNC shops cannot machine.

New Machining Centers Improve Moldmaking Workflow

Westminster Tool has shifted the workflow in its moldmaking department to incorporate high-speed five-axis and, as a result, cut lead times and reduce the need for wire EDM. 

EDM Machine Probing Possibilities

Probing options for electrical discharge machining equipment range from simple to sophisticated. Here are options for wire, sinker and hole-drilling EDM.