EDM Wire

EDM Wire or electrical discharge machine wire is a process where a single strand of metal wire, often brass, is submerged in vat of dielectric solution and passed through the workpiece to cut of shape it. Often this process is used to cut threw very hard metals of up to 300mm thick, the process is used to make tools and dies

This robust cutting technique uses a wire that is constantly fed from a spool and is positioned in between two diamond guides which move in the x-y plane. In some cases the z-u-v axis an be manipulated allowing cutting of tapered and transitional shapes. Due to this the process can be used to cut very intricate shapes, with accuracy as high as +/- 0.004mm.

Electrical discharge machining is a specialist trade, which is why when sourcing this you should always consult specialist with many years successful experience. Wire EDM can leave residual stress on the workpiece that are less significant, this is common place for this type of technique. And some may be left if as the same workpiece were obtained by machining. With wire EDM there large cutting forces is not needed in the removal of material. It works on the bases that a thermal cycle will be used.