What is Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), and how does it work?

2021-10-27Machinery

Electrical Discharge Machining or EDM is one of the more precise and accurate ways of machining as compared to traditional machining. Many industries have now incorporated EDM for numerous machining processes.

However, many people do not know about EDM. Hence, today we will discuss what is Electrical Discharge Machining and how does it work.

What is Electrical Discharge Machining?

As the name suggests, Electrical Discharge Machining is a way in which metals are removed through Electrical Discharge or electrical spark from a workpiece of desired length and shape. In EDM, no mechanical force is needed, nor are heavy tools used for the process. Hence, it greatly differs from the traditional machining ways.

Moreover, EDM is suitable for any conductive material and is a highly controlled machining technique. In addition, some metals like Titanium and Tungsten are difficult to extract and be shaped according to needs and wants. It is where the traditional machining method fails, and Electrical Discharge Machining comes in.

Furthermore, EDM is safe as compared to traditional machining. Taiwan manufacturers make some of the best Electrical Discharge Machine that offers reliability and extreme precision.

How does Electrical Discharge Machining Work?

The whole phenomenon is based on electricity. But to elaborate it a bit, we can describe the EDM process as a thermal process. The whole metal removing the process from the workpiece is done using electrical sparks. These electrical sparks are pass through the electrode, which is a conductor.

Moreover, these electrical sparks are given in a pulsating manner, sort of like Alternating Current. It is done in this manner, so the whole process is done in a controlled manner. However, when removing metals from conductive material through the EDM process, the electrode and the workpiece have to be water-logged into a non-conductive fluid.

Many Electrical Discharge manufacturers, including manufacturers in Taiwan, the hub of technology, recommend doing this.

It is done because electrical discharges can flow in a controlled manner. Moreover, dielectric fluid is highly resistant to electricity and has a higher temperature coefficient. So, it absorbs all the heat generated from the EDM process and acts as a coolant.

Hence, the dielectric fluid helps the machine retain its longevity and allows the process to be done more efficiently.

Advantages of Electrical Discharge Machining?

There are numerous advantages of Electrical Discharge Machining. Some of the most popular ones are specified below.

• Suitable for machining extremely hard conductive materials.
• Workpieces are extracted without any deformation. Deformation on the workpieces can occur with traditional machining methods as it involves high heat.
• Can move along all the 3 axes, which increases precision as well as the same time.
• Cost-effective machining method.

Conclusion

The above-specified is a short but comprehensive guide about what Electrical Discharge Machining is and how it works. You can visit EDM manufacturers' websites for specifications related to ED machines, such as Taiwan ED machine manufacturers Oscar Edm. Make sure to follow all the necessary precautions before operating the machine.