Wire Erosion

Wire EDM is a process also known as “wire cutting” or “wire EDM cutting.” This is a process in which metal is cut by an electrical discharge. It is especially used in the production of precise and complex shapes. The main principle of wire EDM is that a wire electrode (usually a thin metal wire) cuts a metal workpiece using a high voltage electric current.

The basic steps of the process include:

1. Assembly of the Workpiece:*The metal piece to be cut is usually mounted on a machine controlled by CNC (computer numerical control) systems.

2. Placement of Wire Electrode: As the name of the process suggests, the electrode that cuts the workpiece is in the shape of a wire. This wire is usually very thin (for example, 0.1 to 0.3 mm in diameter). The wire is controlled by a special wire drive mechanism and is held in a certain position of the process.

3. Application of High Voltage: High voltage is applied between two electrodes. This causes an electric arc to form between the electrodes.

4. Electrochemical Erosion: Electric arc causes the metal in the workpiece to dissolve through electrochemical erosion. High-energy electrons erode the surface of the metal and slag particles carried by the wire are removed from the workpiece.

5. Cutting Movement: Under CNC control, the wire is moved to cut the workpiece in a special way. This movement ensures that the workpiece takes the desired form.

Wire EDM is particularly suitable for the production of parts with precise details, internal cuts or complex geometries. It is also an effective method for processing hard metals, especially materials such as titanium and tungsten carbide.