Wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) Service is a high-precision manufacturing process used to cut complex-shaped precision parts and tight tolerances in hard or conductive materials.
Wire EDM Classifications
Wire EDM can be categorized using different classification methods.
According to the speed classification, it can be categorized into slow-speed wire EDM, middle-speed wire EDM, and fast-speed wire EDM.
According to the machine Brand classification, there are Seibu, and Sodick, Mitsubishi Electric, and Makino brands wire EDM machines in Japan; Chmer and SSGEDM brands in China dnd China-Taiwan; and GF AgieCharmilles in Switzerland.
According to the cutting fluid classification, there are water-based cutting fluid wire EDM, and oil-based cutting fluid wire EDM. The common wire EDM machines are using water-based cutting fluid.
Wire EDM Tolerance
Different brands and types of wire EDM machines have different tolerances.
Usually, slow-speed wire EDM machine has a very high precision cutting tolerance around ±0.002mm (±2μm). Fast-seed wire EDM machine has a lower precision cutting tolerance around ±0.01mm.
For some high-end brands, for example, Seibu and GF AgieCharmilles can get a higher precision cutting tolerance around ±0.002mm (±2μm). But for some other brands, for example Sodick, Chmer and SSGEDM can get a tolerance around ±0.005mm (±5μm).
Wire EDM R-Angle
Usually, a water-based cutting fluid wire EDM machine can get a best clearance R-angle R0.05.
But for some high-end wire cutting that needs a higher R-angle (eg R0.03), it needs oil wire EDM. As oil wire EDM can use a thinner copper wire.
Wire EDM Surface Roughness
A wire EDM machine can get a surface roughness around Ra0.31 min. It is Ok for most of the precision parts.
Wire EDM can get better surface roughness than the CNC milling for the precision parts.
But for some punches and dies in some precision stamping tools need a higher Ra value, there may need some grinding workmanship to get good Ra effect. For example, profile grinding, surface grinding, and jig grinding. Grinding workmanship can get a mirror effect surface.
Materials that are suitable for wire EDM
Most of the metal steels are suitable for wire cutting EDM. For example, Tool steels (D2, 1.2379, 1.2343, etc.), Carbide(KD50, H40S, GA20, etc.), Titanium, Inconel, Copper and brass, Aluminum (less common due to conductivity issues).
Application of Wire EDM
Wire EDM is suitable for cutting the following precision components:
- Stamping die components and Progressive die components,
- Precision injection mold parts and inserts
- Fine blanking punches and dies
- Aerospace parts
- Medical precision parts
How do you find a good wire EDM service manufacturer?
There are several factors for precision parts purchasers to find a good provider of wire EDM service.
- Large and small part capacity
- Automation for lights-out machining
- ISO 9001 / AS9100 certifications (if quality standards matter)
- Fast turnaround and in-house inspection capabilities (CMM, tool microscope, optical comparator, etc.)
So that’s all about the wire EDM introduction. Hope our introduction is helpful for you. If you needs any advice, please kindly contact us at +86-15338374626 (whatsapp), Email: sales@langdi-precision.com.