How Does a Wire EDM Work?

Wire EDM machines can be manual or controlled by a computer.

Wire EDM machining is an alternative to both manual and CNC milling and can allow hard-to-reach areas to be machined. In order to use a wire EDM machine, you must be trained as it differs greatly from traditional machining methods.

Function

Wire EDM machining is a process used to cut through metal using a wire submersed in deionized water. Electricity is run through the wire, resulting in an electrical charge that burns through even the hardest of metals.

Significance

This process allows the machinist to make difficult cuts on hard metal that would be nearly impossible with a manual of CNC machine. Although the cutting may take longer, you will have less broken tooling as well as access to areas that would be unreachable with traditional methods of machining.

Considerations

Wire EDM takes skill as well as experience and should only be attempted by experienced, trained EDM machinists. The process does not allow for contouring or 3-D shapes and is rather slow compared to modern CNC machining.

References

• EDM Machining: Wire EDM Machining Process