Precision Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Service

Precision Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) service utilizes controlled electrical sparks to precisely machine hard materials and complex shapes. Ideal for intricate designs, tight tolerances, and difficult-to-machine materials, EDM ensures high accuracy, smooth finishes, and minimal material deformation in manufacturing.
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Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Applications

Precision Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) applications involve creating intricate, high-precision components by eroding hard materials with electrical sparks. Ideal for complex shapes, tight tolerances, and tough materials, EDM is widely used in aerospace, medical, automotive, and tooling industries.
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Applications

Industries

Applications

Aerospace and Aviation

Turbine blades, Aircraft engine components, Landing gear components

Power Generation

Steam turbine nozzles, Gas turbine vanes, Generator rotor slots

Oil and Gas

Valve seats, High-pressure nozzles, Drill bit components

Consumer Products

Mold cavities, Precision watch components, Electronic connectors

Medical Device

Surgical instrument molds, Implantable device components, Microneedle fabrication

Agricultural Machinery

Precision cutting tools, Injection molds for equipment parts, Pump impellers

Automotive

Fuel injector components, Transmission system parts, Brake system molds

Robotics

Micro-gears, Precision actuators, Custom end-effector components

Automation

Complex sensor housings, Precision drive components, High-accuracy tooling systems

Industrial Equipment

EDM wire guides, Tooling components, Precision bearings

Nuclear

Control rod mechanisms, Reactor vessel components, High-precision seals

Electrical Discharge Machining Materials

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is used to precisely shape hard materials like superalloys, titanium, and stainless steel. It’s also effective for machining conductive metals such as aluminum, copper, brass, and bronze. EDM can process a variety of materials, including carbon steel, plastics, and ceramics, offering versatility in manufacturing complex components with high precision and minimal material stress.
Electrical Discharge Machining Materials

Materials

Grade

Superalloy

Inconel alloy, Monel alloy, Hastelloy alloy, Stellite alloy, Nimonic alloy, Rene Alloys

Titanium

Titanium TA1, TA2, Ti-6Al-4V (TC4), Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr (Beta C), Grade 6, Ti-5Al-5V-5Mo-3Cr (Ti5553), Ti-6.5Al-1Mo-1V-2Zr (TA15), Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Grade 23), Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V (Grade 20), 11Cr-3Al (TC11)

Aluminum

6061, 6063, 7075, 7075-T6, 6061-T6, 2024, Aluminum 5052, Aluminum 5083, Aluminum 1100, Aluminum 6082, Aluminum ADC12 (A380)

Copper

Copper C101(T2), Copper C103(T1), Copper C103(TU2), Copper C110(TU0), Beryllium Copper, Copper C102 (Oxygen-Free Copper), Copper C260 (Brass), Copper C194 (Alloy 194), Copper C175 (Chromium Copper), Copper C330 (Leaded Copper)

Brass

Brass C360, Brass C377, Brass C385, Brass C220, Brass C270, Brass C260, Brass C628, Brass C624, Brass C174, Brass C210.

Bronze

Bronze C510, Bronze C521, Bronze C608, Bronze C632, Bronze C630, Bronze C954, Bronze C863, Bronze C836, Bronze C905, Bronze C907.

Carbon steel

Steel 1018, 1020, 1025, 1040, 1060, 1045, 1215, 4130, 4140, 4340, 5140, A36, 12L14, Die steel, Alloy steel, Chisel tool steel, Spring steel, High-speed steel, Cold rolled steel, Bearing steel, SPCC

Stainless steel

Steel 1018, 1020, 1025, 1040, 1060, 1045, 1215, 4130, 4140, 4340, 5140, A36, 12L14, Die steel, Alloy steel, Chisel tool steel, Spring steel, High-speed steel, Cold rolled steel, Bearing steel, SPCC

Plastic

ABS, Nylon (PA), Acetal (POM), UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), PTFE (Teflon), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyethylene (PE), PVC, PEEK, Delrin, Polypropylene (PP).

Ceramic

Alumina, Zirconia, Aluminum-based Silicon Carbide

Surface Treatment for EDM Parts

Surface treatment for EDM parts enhances durability, corrosion resistance, and appearance. Techniques like polishing, coating, and nitriding improve the surface integrity, reduce wear, and extend the lifespan of EDM-manufactured components, ensuring optimal performance in demanding industrial applications.
Thermal Coating
Thermal Coating
As Machined
As Machined
Painting
Painting
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
Sandblasting
Sandblasting
Electroplating
Electroplating
Polishing
Polishing
Anodizing
Anodizing
Powder Coating
Powder Coating
Electropolishing
Electropolishing
Passivation
Passivation
Brushing
Brushing
Black Oxide
Black Oxide
Heat Treatment
Heat Treatment
Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC)
Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC)
Tumbling
Tumbling
Alodine
Alodine
Chrome Plating
Chrome Plating
Phosphating
Phosphating
Nitriding
Nitriding
Galvanizing
Galvanizing
UV Coating
UV Coating
Lacquer Coating
Lacquer Coating
Teflon Coating
Teflon Coating
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EDM Machining Tolerance Suggestions

EDM machining tolerance suggestions provide guidance for achieving high precision in complex components. By selecting appropriate tolerances—such as ±0.1 mm for general use and ±0.005 mm for high-precision parts—manufacturers can optimize performance, minimize errors, and meet stringent design requirements.
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Items

Suggestions

General Tolerances±0.1 mm (for most standard EDM operations)

Precision Tolerances±0.005 mm (for high-precision components)

Min Wall Thickness0.2 mm (depending on material and machining conditions)

Min Boring Size0.3 mm (for fine detail work in small features)

Max Boring Depth300 mm (depending on the machine and material constraints)

Maximum Part Size800 mm x 800 mm x 800 mm (varies by machine and material)

Minimum Part Size0.5 mm x 0.5 mm (for small and intricate details)

Prototyping1 to 50 parts (for initial test runs or low-volume production)

Low Volume50 to 500 parts (efficient for small production runs with high precision)

Mass Production500+ parts (possible with appropriate tooling and process optimization)

Lead Time1 to 4 weeks (depending on complexity, material, and quantity)

EDM Machining Design Guideline

EDM machining design guidelines ensure efficient and accurate production of complex parts. By considering factors like electrode design, radii, hole placement, surface finish, and tolerance, manufacturers can achieve optimal results, reduce tool wear, and meet high-precision requirements effectively.
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Items

Suggestions

Radii and FilletsUse radii or fillets with a minimum radius of 0.2 mm to reduce tool wear and improve machining efficiency.
Avoid sharp internal corners to ensure smooth electrical discharge.

Hole DesignEnsure a minimum hole diameter of 0.3 mm for EDM.
For deep holes, consider a depth-to-diameter ratio of 5:1 or lower to ensure effective machining and avoid excessive electrode wear.

Surface FinishSpecify surface finish based on part requirements: Ra 0.8 µm for standard parts
Ra 0.2 µm for high-precision components
Ra 0.05 µm for optical-quality surfaces.

Wall ThicknessMaintain consistent wall thickness, with a minimum of 0.2 mm to ensure structural integrity during machining and prevent distortion.

ToleranceStandard tolerance for EDM: ±0.1 mm for general applications, and ±0.005 mm for high-precision parts.
Use tighter tolerances only when necessary to avoid higher costs.

Hole PlacementPosition holes with a minimum center-to-center distance of 0.5 mm.
Avoid placing holes too close to edges or other holes to ensure proper spark discharge and avoid tool interference.

Part OrientationPosition the part to minimize electrode changes and reduce machining time. Plan for accessible areas to avoid excessive setups or fixturing changes during the process.

Electrode DesignUse appropriate electrode material (e.g., copper or graphite) for the workpiece material.
Ensure proper electrode geometry for optimal spark distribution and better surface quality.

Sharp Edges and CornersAvoid sharp edges and corners.
Use radii or chamfers to ensure better spark discharge, reduce electrode wear, and improve part strength.

Material SelectionSelect materials with appropriate conductivity and hardness for EDM.
Materials like carbide, tool steel, and titanium alloys are commonly processed, but harder materials require specific electrodes.

Cutting Speed and Power SettingsSet cutting speeds and power settings based on the material's characteristics and the desired finish.
Adjust settings for optimal spark energy, especially for intricate details.

Pocket DesignEnsure pockets have smooth transitions and avoid deep, narrow pockets.
Rounded corners (minimum radius 0.5 mm) are recommended for better spark distribution and easier removal of material.

Frequently Asked Questions

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