What
Is Small Hole EDM?
Small hole edm is a specialized component of
electrical discharge machining. A small hollow electrode spins about
a spindle much like a drill and drill bit (edm drill). The electrode
is electrically charged by a servo-controlled generator producing
the spark. Water based dielectric flushes through and around the
electrode providing a controlled environment for the spark to jump
to the work piece. The electric spark erodes the surface of the
work piece creating very small pockets. Eventually millions and
millions of these microscopic pockets create the small hole. The
size of the hole is controlled by the diameter of the electrode.
The location and depth of the holes are driven by CNC ISO codes,
reducing and eliminating operator error. Machines shown have automatic
electrode changers for unattended machining.
Applications
Small hole edm is in many ways similar to
a drilling operation but it offers the advantages of edm. Very
low machining and work piece hardness are not barriers to performance.
A short list of common applications follows.
Addition of wire edm start
holes after heat treating
Removal of broken drill bits
Placement of holes too small/difficult
for conventional drilling
Coolant holes in hardened
machine tool bits
Taps
End Mills
Drill
Please see the small hole edm capabilities chart
for size and thickness.
Click on chart for larger size.