EDM machining services remove metal by burning instead of cutting or grinding. There are three basic types of electro discharge machining (EDM) operations: electrode EDM, wire EDM, and small-hole EDM. Electrode EDM or die-sinking uses an electrode to burn a desired shape into a workpiece. By contrast, wire EDM burns the workpiece with a very thin wire. Small-hole EDM uses a small, hollow electrode which spins about a spindle much like a drill and drill bit. Dielectric flushes through the electrode, providing a controlled environment for the spark to jump to the workpiece and create very small pockets. In turn, these combined microscopic pockets create a small hole. Small-hole EDM is similar to drilling, but provides very low machining residue.
EDM machining services differ in terms of size and material capabilities. Diameter capacity is usually expressed as a range and includes choice such as less than 1-inch, 1 to 3 inches, 3 to 6 inches, 6 to 48 inches, and more than 48 inches. In terms of material capabilities, EDM machining services may process workpieces made of aluminum, brass, bronze, carbides, cast iron, copper, hardened metals, nickel or nickel alloys, precious metals, stainless steel, steel and steel alloys, titanium, and ultra-hard materials such as diamond, quartz, ruby, and sapphire. Specialty EDM machining services can perform tool and die manufacturing, or jig and fixture manufacturing.
EDM machining services may provide additional services such as CAD/CAM support, design assistance, just-in-time (JIT) delivery, rapid prototyping, low-volume production, and high-volume production. Computer aided design or drafting (CAD) is used to design parts quickly and accurately. Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) is used to fabricate products directly from CAD outputs. EDM machining services that provides design assistance can help with concepts, manufacturing costs, manufacturing techniques and material considerations such as sourcing. They may also be able to assist with upgrading, redesigning, reevaluating or modernizing existing products to increase performance and/or reduce manufacturing costs. Some EDM machining services have just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing capabilities or can provide prototypes for use in presentations or functional testing. Others provide low-volume or high-volume production.
EDM machining services are located across the United States and around the world. They adhere to a variety of certifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. EDM machining services follow four main specifications from the International Standards Organization (ISO): ISO 9001:2000, ISO 13485:2003, ISO 14001, and ISO/TS 16949:2002. AS 9000, AS 9100, and QS-9000 are industry-specific quality standards that are based on ISO 9001. Both AS 9000 and AS 9001 define quality management system (QMS) requirements for suppliers to the aerospace industry. QS-9000 is a quality standard for suppliers of DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation. Some EDM machining services are registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or comply with U.S. military specifications (MIL-SPEC). Others meet internal company specifications or requirements from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
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