Wire electric discharge machining (EDM)
Wire electric discharge machining (EDM), or wire eroding, is a cutting process that uses a thin, electrically-charged wire to melt, vaporise, cut and shape material from a workpiece.
This process helps to create complex shapes and high-precision components to exacting tolerances.
Extreme precision for extreme environments
Wire electric discharge machining (EDM) has a unique ability to achieve the highest standards of machining accuracy without using mechanical stress. Instead of physically cutting, sawing or milling, EDM uses controlled electrical discharges (sparks) to jump between the wire and the material. This process also takes place within deionised water, which cools the material and flushes away debris.
Because EDM does not rely on physical force, it is used to cut a broad suite of materials, ranging from hardened steels, carbides and exotic alloys to especially delicate parts that require sharp corners, thin walls or precise contours.
The LoneStar Group is equipped to offer EDM cutting services in all major marketplaces. Supported by our growing network of world-leading manufacturing facilities and distribution hubs, we can deliver pinpoint machining excellence wherever it is needed most.
Technical details
- Suited to all conductive materials
- Accurate to tolerances of Accuracy to +/- 0.005mm
- Maximum material thickness up to 150mm, depending on the material/profile to be cut
- Process unaffected by material hardness.
- Minimal heat-affected cutting zones.
- Excellent finishes as standard, reducing or eliminating the need for grinding and polishing
- EDM mitigates tool wear issues
Applications
- High-precision, mission-critical parts that require extreme tolerances
- Complex shapes and components in difficult-to-cut materials
- Special gears and racks
- Turbine blades
- Nuclear or defence assets, applications and systems
Contact our wire electric discharge machining experts to discuss your requirements.
We look forward to collaborating with you.