91Ƶ

Introduction to Electrical Discharge Machining
Knowledge

Introduction to Electrical Discharge Machining

Electric discharge machining is a kind of special machining technology, which is widely used in mold manufacturing and machining industries. Electrical discharge machining can be used to machine superhard materials and workpieces with complex shapes that are difficult to machine with traditional cutting methods. It is usually used to machine materials that conduct electricity. It can machine complex materials such as titanium alloys, tool steels, carbon steels, and hard alloys. cavities or contours.
Published: Aug 23, 2022
Introduction to Electrical Discharge Machining

Technical Principle

A special processing method for removing conductive materials by using the electro-erosion effect generated by the pulse discharge between the two poles immersed in the working fluid. We all have such life experience. After a period of use of electrical switches, the surface of the contact part is often eroded by electric sparks, which is rough and uneven. This is the phenomenon of electric spark erosion. EDM is to use this principle, in a certain medium, through the electrical erosion of the pulse discharge between the tool electrode and the workpiece electrode, the method of processing the workpiece. The basic way to achieve this processing is as follows: The tool electrode and the workpiece are all immersed in the working medium (electrolyte), multiple spark discharges are generated between the two electrodes, and the amount of workpiece erosion is consciously controlled. The workpiece meets certain size and roughness requirements.

The principle of electric spark erosion for metal processing must also meet the following conditions: the spark discharge energy must be large to ensure local melting and gasification of the metal in an instant; the discharge form should be a very short pulse discharge, so that the spark heat is too fast to transfer to the non-processing area to prevent the phenomenon of "burning"; after each pulse discharge, the metal particles and ionized substances generated between the electrode gaps must be discharged from the gap in time to ensure the continuous processing.

Physical Process

The physical process of electrode corrosion by electric spark is very complex, and it is a process of combined action of electromagnetism, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, and people have not yet had a comprehensive understanding of it. It is generally considered that it can be divided into three stages: the first stage forms the discharge channel, in which the electrolyte is ionized, broken down, and forms a discharge channel; the second stage forms an energy conversion on the surface of the workpiece, that is, spark discharge, generates thermal expansion, and makes the tool electrode and workpiece are etched away; the ablation from stage 3 is thrown out of the discharge gap in preparation for the next discharge.

Processing Features

  1. It can process any hard, brittle, tough, soft, high-melting conductive materials, and under certain conditions, it can also process semiconductor materials and non-conductive materials.
  2. "No cutting force" during processing, which is beneficial to the processing of small holes, thin walls, narrow grooves, and various complex shapes of holes, spiral holes, cavities and other workpieces, and is also suitable for precision and micro machining.
  3. When the pulse width is small, the whole workpiece is hardly affected by heat, so the heat-affected layer can be reduced, the surface quality after processing can be improved, and it is also suitable for processing heat-sensitive materials.
  4. The pulse parameters can be adjusted arbitrarily, and roughing, semi-finishing and finishing can be continuously performed on one machine tool. The precision of finishing is 0.01mm, the surface roughness R value is 0.8m; the precision of fine machining can reach 0.0020.004mm, and the surface roughness R value is 0.10.05m.
  5. Direct use of electrical energy processing, easy to achieve automation.

Actual Application

Due to the high discharge energy during electric discharge machining, it can process materials that cannot be machined by ordinary cutting methods, such as hardened steel, heat-resistant alloys, and cemented carbides. At the same time, it has been widely used in the field of processing various complex cavities, dies and holes. Since there is no direct contact between the tool electrode and the workpiece during the EDM process, the cutting force is very small, which is very effective for machining those easily deformed workpieces and small and precise holes and narrow slits. Now the EDM process has been widely applied in various sectors of the industry, and it is a very promising processing method.

In the current machining field, especially in precision machining, electrical discharge machining has been widely applied. The range of electrical discharge machining is as follows:

  1. All conductive materials can be processed by electrical discharge machining.
  2. The highest precision of electric discharge machining can reach +/- 0.005mm, and the surface roughness can reach the highest mirror surface.
  3. Stations that cannot be processed by traditional machining can generally be completed by electrical discharge machining.
  4. The discharge station can be the cavity of various large-scale plastic molds, or it can be a small hole with a width of 0.1MM, a small groove, etc.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of EDM:

  1. It can manufacture odd-shaped surfaces that cannot be produced by traditional cutting machines.
  2. Machining hard materials can also have good tolerance accuracy.
  3. The cutting force of traditional machining machines may damage small workpieces, but EDM does not.

Disadvantages of EDM:

  1. Non-conductors cannot be processed (technologies already exist to process ceramic materials).
  2. The processing speed is slow.
  3. The processing cost is high.
Published by Aug 23, 2022 Source :

Further reading

You might also be interested in ...

Headline
Knowledge
PD Chargers and PD 3.1 Explained: Everything You Need to Know
The article provides an in-depth overview of USB Power Delivery (PD) and the latest PD 3.1 standard. USB PD enables faster and more efficient device charging, and PD 3.1 expands power delivery up to 240 watts, supporting high-power devices like gaming laptops, large monitors, and e-scooters. Key features include adjustable voltage, bidirectional power, and backward compatibility with older cables. PD 3.1 simplifies charging, reduces the need for multiple chargers, and improves efficiency for high-capacity devices. Its adoption is driving market growth and moving the industry toward a universal, streamlined charging standard.
Headline
Knowledge
The Distinction Between Yogurt and Probiotics
When you enjoy a sweet cup of yogurt every morning, do you believe you've provided your gut with a sufficient dose of good bacteria? Many people often equate yogurt with probiotics, thinking they are one and the same. 91Ƶever, from the perspective of their product nature and function, yogurt is more like a delicious "fermented beverage," while probiotics are "functional health supplements" designed to address specific health concerns. This article will break down the fundamental differences between the two, helping you become a smarter consumer.
Headline
Knowledge
The Birth of a Fabric: The Science and Craft of Textiles
Although fabric may seem like an ordinary item in our daily lives, its creation involves complex and highly precise processes. From cotton grown in the fields to synthetic fibers produced in factories, each raw material carries unique properties and purposes. Whether its the light, airy touch of a shirt or the high protective performance of medical textiles, behind it lies a production chain that spans agriculture, chemistry, and engineering.
Headline
Knowledge
Exploring Major Types of Plastics and Their Properties
Plastic materials are indispensable raw materials in modern manufacturing. Based on their chemical structures and processing characteristics, plastics are mainly classified into two categories: thermoplastics and thermosets. Understanding the properties of these two types aids in material selection and product design, thereby enhancing manufacturing efficiency and product performance.
Headline
Knowledge
Analysis of Green Plastic Manufacturing
With the rise of environmental awareness and the global push for sustainable development goals, traditional plastics face increasing environmental pressure due to their challenges in decomposition and recycling. In response, the manufacturing industry is actively developing and applying eco-friendly plastic materials to build green manufacturing systems. This article explores the types, characteristics, and industrial applications of eco-friendly plastics to assist industry transformation and upgrading.
Headline
Knowledge
Key Parameters for Manufacturing High-Quality Plastic Products
Plastic materials are widely used across various industries due to their lightweight, ease of molding, and versatile properties. 91Ƶever, different types of plastics exhibit distinct mechanical, thermal, chemical, and dimensional stability characteristics, which directly affect the final products performance and service life. Therefore, understanding the performance indicators of plastics is fundamental to designing and manufacturing high-quality plastic products.
Headline
Knowledge
Dry Cutting vs. Wet Cutting: The Balance of Energy Saving, Cost, and Quality
In CNC machining, the choice of cooling method is not simply a technical preference but a multi-faceted trade-off involving cost control, machining quality, tool life, and production line stability. Both dry cutting and wet cutting have their advantages and limitations. To stand out in the fiercely competitive market, companies must shift from pursuing the theoretically optimal to the contextually optimal solution.
Headline
Knowledge
The Unsung Heroes of Cutting Tool Coatings: Performance Differences from TiN to DLC
In CNC machining, cutting tool coatings are a critical yet invisible factor in boosting production efficiency and reducing costs. Although coating thickness is only a few microns, it significantly enhances tool hardness and wear resistance, optimizes heat dissipation, and improves cutting speed and machining accuracy. From classic Titanium Nitride (TiN) to advanced Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings, different coating materials not only offer varying hardness and heat resistance but also affect tool lifespan and machining adaptability.
Headline
Knowledge
Comprehensive Overview of Plastic Processing Methods: Mastering Key Technologies and Applications
Plastic products play an indispensable role in modern manufacturing, and various plastic processing techniques are crucial for achieving product diversity and efficient production. The following introduces five common and important plastic processing methods, helping readers gain a thorough understanding of their principles, features, and application scopes.
Headline
Knowledge
Fabric Knowledge Base: A Guide to Fiber Applications, From Beginner to Expert Selection
Textile fiber is the fundamental element that determines fabric performance and product suitability. Whether you are a designer, manufacturer, or consumer, understanding the unique characteristics of different fibers and their suitable applications is crucial for precise material selection and informed purchasing. This article will systematically introduce the applications of major natural and synthetic fibers and explain how blending them can overcome the limitations of single fibers, providing versatile functional solutions and helping you build a comprehensive knowledge base of textile applications.
Headline
Knowledge
What is Liquid Injection Molding?
Liquid Injection Molding (LIM) is a manufacturing process that involves injecting liquid silicone rubber (LSR) into precision molds, followed by heating and curing to form high-precision, complex plastic components. Compared to traditional thermoplastic injection molding, LIM offers superior accuracy and the capability to produce more intricate shapes, making it especially suitable for applications demanding high performance and reliability.
Headline
Knowledge
Precision Mold Development and Manufacturing: The Core Technology of Modern Plastic Production
Precision molds form the foundation for the quality and efficiency of plastic part molding. In todays highly competitive manufacturing environment, the design and fabrication of molds directly impact a products functional performance and market competitiveness. Excellent mold development requires not only precise engineering design but also the integration of advanced machining technologies and rigorous quality control to achieve efficient and stable mass production.
Agree