Wire EDM

Wire Electric discharge machining (WEDM) is a machining method primarily used for hard metals or those that would be very difficult to machine with traditional techniques. WEDM typically works with materials that are electrically conductive, WEDM is commonly used when low residual stresses are desired, because it does not require high cutting forces for removal of material. If the energy/power per pulse is relatively low (as in finishing operations), little change in the mechanical properties of a material is expected due to these low residual stresses, although material that hasn't been stress-relieved can distort in the machining process.

Advantages

• Complex shapes that would otherwise be difficult to produce with conventional cutting tools
• Extremely hard material to very close tolerances
• Very small work pieces where conventional cutting tools may damage the part from excess cutting tool pressure
• There is no direct contact between tool and work piece. Therefore delicate sections and weak materials can be machined without any distortion
• A good surface finish can be obtained
• Very fine holes can be easily drilled