Saturday, July 27, 2019

Points Worth Noting On EDM Machining

By Frances Olson


To date, metal removal processes for hardened metallic structures are made possible by the use of an electrical discharge process which embraces modern techniques. This is manifested by the EDM machining process, which is the most effective method for metal removal. The metallic structures that necessitate this process are featured by an extreme hardness like the case of steel. It is utilized in situations that would be relatively impossible to handle with any other fabrication method.

An Electrical Discharge Machining process involves a sequence of non-stationary and timed electrical pulses to remove material on a surface. Both the electrode and the metallic work piece are held together by the machine equipment. The equipment also contains the dielectric liquid in which the charges flow. A power supply is also used to control both the timing and intensity of electrical charges generated as well as the electrode movement about a work piece.

The electrical discharge is initiated at the point where the electric field is sturdiest. This increases the velocity of cations which in return forms an ionization channel for the electric current to conduct through. In this discharge stage, the current flows freely to create a spark at the terminal of the electrode and work piece being machined. The spark plays a critical role in accelerating the collision rate of particles. This increases both the pressure and temperature to extremes.

The high temperatures are subjected only at localized zones on a surface. This helps in eroding a controlled amount of material from the metallic surface. The current flow is cut off after melting away the wanted regions. This causes an instant temperature drop, which makes the bubbles formed to shrink, thereby removing the eroded materials to form a small depression. The dielectric liquid re-solidifies and removes the eroded materials.

The electrode does not touch the work piece surface, and this makes Electrical Discharge Machining a non-contact process. This feature allows you to achieve tighter tolerances and improved finishes in a broad range of work pieces that could otherwise be difficult to machine with ancient methods. The feature accounts for its increasing usage in many fabrication firms.

Additionally, EDM has gained a better position compared to milling and grinding equipment. It is a mainstream and hands-on technology which is known for its peculiar capability to machine complex designs on hardened metal surfaces like the case in steel. It is mostly used to machine steel molds, dies, tungsten carbide and other hardened work pieces which cannot be machined by traditional methods.

Moreover, it has solved a series of problems that are related to machining exotic material types which are used on a large scale basis in the aerospace and aeronautical industries. Various industrial settings are focusing on reducing electrode wear and increasing the sophistication of EDM controls. These strategies have made the traditional grinder or mill to be obsolete in metal fabrication fields.

Therefore, Electrical Discharge Machining is of great importance in various industrial settings which rely more on steel materials. The technique used by this cutting edge process is more sophisticated and thus yields exceptional results. The ancient milling and grinding techniques have been phased off by the introduction of EDM.




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