electrical-discharge machining
Quick Summary
Electrical-discharge machining (EDM) is a nonconventional machining method used for electrically conductive materials that are too hard or brittle for traditional tools. This process uses high-frequency electrical sparks from an electrode (tool) to disintegrate the workpiece material, such as hardened steel or carbide.1
The electrode and workpiece are submerged in a dielectric liquid, and a small gap is maintained between them. As sparks discharge, they melt or vaporize tiny particles from the workpiece, which are then flushed away. This method allows for precise machining of complex shapes, including dies, molds, holes, and slots. A variation, CNC wire machining, uses a thin wire as the tool to cut intricate profiles.1
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