Electrical discharge machining (EDM)
grinding is a mass-reducing process that uses a rotating conductive
wheel to remove electrically conductive material by means of controlled,
repetitive spark discharges. A dielectric fluid is used to flush
away the chips, regulate the discharge, and cool the wheel and the
workpiece.
Process Characteristics
Uses a slowly rotating conductive wheel that is
kept within sparking (arcing) distance of the workpiece
Wheels and workpieces must be electrically
conductive
Fragile and thin parts can be processed without
distortion
Can process very hard or difficult to machine
metals
Information provided is from Manufacturing Processes Reference
Guide by Robert H. Todd, Dell K. Allen, and Leo Alting.--1st ed. Published by
Industrial Press Inc., 1994.