Advantages and Disadvantages of EDM
EDM, also known as spark machining or die sinking is a process that uses electrical discharges to shape materials. It is used for machining hard metals or materials that are electrically conductive. The workpiece and the tool are separated by a gap called the spark gap. The gaps are generated by recurring electrical discharges between the electrode of the tool and the workpiece. The gap is often flooded with liquid electrical insulator to flush away waste and cool the electrodes. This process can be very precise and is able to cut extremely hard or exotic materials.
advantages of edm
The most significant advantage of edm is its ability to produce accurate, tight tolerance parts that would be impossible or impractical to produce using traditional cutting methods. The process is also capable of producing very complex shapes and angles, as well as fine details. It is particularly suitable for working with heat-treated and carbide materials where the pressure from conventional tools could damage or deform them.
Another benefit of edm is its versatility. It can cut a wide variety of different materials, including hardened steels and titanium. It can even cut 3D profiles, as well as tapers and cones. It is also suitable for machining hard, challenging and exotic materials to very close tolerances for high precision mechanical components.
However, one disadvantage of edm is that it is not considered an environmentally-conscious method of manufacturing due to the amount of electricity required to run the machine. Other methods of machining that require less electricity are favoured by many companies who want to reduce their carbon footprints.
