Electrical discharge machining is a non-contact fabrication process where the desired shape is achieved by using electrical discharges. Engineers often have to turn to EDM whenever traditional machining methods have reached their limits.<\/p>\n
Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, our process capabilities have limited the design of our products. The first thing we verify after and sometimes during the product design stage is whether the selected manufacturing process matches our desired specifications.<\/p>\n
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) changes that fundamentally. Unlike processes such as casting<\/a>, forming and other conventional machining processes, EDM can achieve very high levels of perfection using digital inputs.<\/p>\n In this article, we’ll explore the EDM process and its various types. We’ll also discuss its various benefits and limitations. Continue reading for a deeper understanding of the different EDM processes and to figure out which one is the best for your needs.<\/p>\n Electrical discharge machining is a heat-based subtractive manufacturing process. It converts electrical discharge into thermal energy that melts or vaporizes excess material from a workpiece.<\/p>\n The process manipulates this erosion to create desirable cuts and shapes out of the raw materials. Due to the use of an electrical discharge, this process is also sometimes known as spark machining.<\/p>\n Since the process is based on the conduction of electricity through the material, it only works with materials that are good conductors. The process is incredibly reliable in delivering high-accuracy cuts regardless of a material\u2019s hardness<\/a> or softness as long as it has good electrical conductivity.<\/p>\n As a result, we can use EDM to cut high-hardness materials such as Inconel and tungsten carbide. Engineers also turn to EDM when they need to cut complex shapes that are not possible with traditional methods such as milling<\/a>. Features such as sharp internal edges and deep cavities are exclusive to electrical discharge machining.<\/p>\nWhat Is Electrical Discharge Machining?<\/h2>\n
How Does the EDM Process Work?<\/h2>\n