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Mar/Apr 2012  

EDMing

Top Features

Getting the maximum from micro sinker EDMing

Micro sinker EDMing requires part manufacturers to optimize a host of areas to achieve success, such as applying new technology, developing new machining parameters, mastering electrode production and managing electrode wear.

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You have to know how to hold ’em

Leadership guru Stephen Covey beat me to the punch when he made the rule “begin with the end in mind” part of his bestseller, “7 Habits of Highly Successful People.” That advice is the central theme in why workholding deserves early consideration when wire EDMing complex microparts.

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Down to the Wire

Spiders have been doing it for millions of years: Spinning out material that’s stronger than steel, and—metaphorically at least—lighter than air. Luckily for the spider, she doesn’t have to cut tight-tolerance features on her delicate tapestry, or twist it up into precision coils and helix shapes to catch her meals.

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Programming for ‘life on the small wire’

The smallness and complexity of wire- EDMed components and component features are driving demand for thinner wire. That’s how 0.008"- and 0.010"-dia. wires became the “popular kids.” Then shops downsized to 0.002" and 0.004" wires.

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Controlling the electrical-discharge power supply

Effectively controlling the spark energy of an EDM’s power supply is critical to meeting cycle-time and part-accuracy requirements for all sinker EDM applications. But it’s especially important when micro-sinker-EDMing because a lack of control causes more electrode wear, and—in the fine-feature micro world—when you lose a little, you lose a lot.

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Dielectric fluids for micro-EDMing

Theoretically, any insulating liquid can be used as a dielectric fluid when EDMing to allow the spark to cross the gap between the electrode and workpiece, and vaporize material.

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Top Videos

Agie Charmilles highlights EDM machine with auto wire changer

July 25, 2011—With available wire diameters down to 0.05mm, the CUT 2000 wire cut EDM machine from Agie Charmilles LLC is said to open up new opportunities for ultra-precise machining of miniaturized components in the aerospace, defense, medical and semiconductor industries. In this brief video report, Agie Charmilles highlights the machine's automatic wire changer.

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New sinker EDMing technology enables more control

May 25, 2011—Sodick Inc. introduces new TMM3 electronic discharge power supply unit to its line of sinker EDMs. MICROmanufacturing Senior Editor Alan Richter interviews Sodick Inc. President Dave Thomas.

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EDM shop celebrates quarter-century in business

July 9, 2009—Xact Wire EDM Corp. celebrates its 25th anniversary this year—a period marked by growth and increasingly interesting times. 

“The last 5 years have been more interesting and challenging than the first 20,” said company co-founder John Dora.

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MicroEDM milling

Oct. 30, 2008—Graham Ruck, sales/applications manager for Leer Technologies Inc., reviews the newest features of the SARIX-200 3-D Multi-Axis MicroEDM Milling machine.

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Top Products

AccuteX EDM introduces 5-Axis wire EDM

Accutex EDM

AccuteX EDMAccuteX EDM, a division of Absolute Machine Tools Inc., has introduced its SP-300iA 5-Axis CNC wire EDM. The machine features new microsparking technology, the MST-II function, which provides the fine surface finishes typically found on parts for the aerospace and medical industries, according to the company.

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Sinker EDM technology for faster roughing of deep ribs

Makino

SuperSpark thumbMakino Inc. recently released the latest version of its SuperSpark sinker EDM technology—the SuperSpark IV. Building on the advancements of its predecessors, SuperSpark IV is said to reduce roughing times in deep-rib applications by up to 30 percent.

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GF AgieCharmilles offers auto wire changer on CUT 2000/3000 wire EDMs

GF AgieCharmilles

GF AgieCharmilles, Lincolnshire, Ill., offers the CUT 2000 and CUT 3000 wire-cutting EDM machines with an optional third-generation automatic wire changer.

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Sodick introduces K series of small-hole EDM machines

Sodick Inc., Schaumburg, Ill., offers four options in its K series of small-hole EDM machines, which each feature the company's latest servo technology said to provide twice the machining speeds compared with previous models.

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Xact Wire EDM expands capacity

Xact Wire EDM Corp., one of the largest wire EDM facilities in the United States with locations in Waukesha, Wis., and Cary, Ill., is expanding its capacity while pursuing certification of its quality system.

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