EDM of Tool Steel
Electrical Discharge Machining or EDM, as it is commonly known, is the process of machining tool steel through the use of an electrical current used to erode the surface of the tool. An electrical charge is passed between the anode, made of copper or graphite, and a cathode, the tool steel. The process takes place under a dielectric fluid.
EDM processing is a very efficient and economical method of producing tooling. This manufacturing process allows for the production of tooling with very intricate shapes that may not be produced by any other means.
There are two types of EDM processing, wire and conventional, or sinker. The main difference between the two types is the shape of the anode. In wire EDM machining, a small diameter wire (.005-.016”) typically made of copper or brass, carries the electrical current to the cathode, or tool. In the conventional EDM machining process, a copper plate or graphite block electrode is used. This electrode is fabricated into the reverse of the desired shape of the finished tool section and is used as the anode.
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