Electrical discharge machining is useful when geometry, hardness or access makes conventional cutting impractical. It is common in precision mold work, but it should be selected for a specific engineering reason.
Typical EDM drivers
- Deep ribs and narrow slots
- Sharp internal details that rotating tools cannot reach
- Hardened tool steel requiring stable finishing
- Complex geometry that benefits from a shaped electrode
Electrode strategy matters
Electrode design, spark gap, flushing and wear compensation all affect accuracy and surface quality. Roughing and finishing electrodes may be separated when the feature or finish demands it.
Inspection must follow the drawing
The measurement plan should use the same datum strategy defined by the customer drawing. That alignment is especially important when EDM features interface with ground or CNC-machined surfaces.