Electrical Discharge Machining Wire Cutting

Electrical discharge machining wire cutting (EDM-WC) is a thermal mass-reducing process that uses a continuously moving wire to remove material by means of rapid controlled repetitive spark discharges.  A dielectric fluid is used to flush the removed particles, regulate the discharge, and keep the wire and workpiece cool.  The wire and workpiece must be electrically conductive.

Process Characteristics

Utilizes a traveling wire that is advance within arcing distance of the workpiece (0.001 in.)
Removes material by rapid, controlled, repetitive spark
Uses dielectric fluid to flush removed particles, control discharge, and cool wire and workpiece
Is performed on electrically conductive workpieces
Can produce complex two-dimensional shapes

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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.