AiVibeElectrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
Electrical discharge machining removes material from an electrically conductive workpiece with rapid, controlled sparks between an electrode and the work in a dielectric fluid. The main types are wire EDM and sinker EDM.
In EDM, a CNC-controlled generator applies pulses of voltage across a small gap between the electrode and the workpiece, both submerged in or flushed by a dielectric fluid. Each spark melts and vaporises a tiny amount of material, which the fluid flushes away. Wire EDM uses a continuously fed thin wire, often brass, as the electrode to cut through-profiles, usually in deionised water. Sinker or die-sinking EDM uses a shaped electrode, typically graphite or copper, to form cavities, usually in a hydrocarbon dielectric oil. Hole-drilling EDM produces small, deep holes.
Because there is no mechanical cutting force and hardness does not limit the process, EDM is used for hardened tool steels and carbide, punches and dies, extrusion dies, mould cavities, sharp internal corners, thin walls and fine features that are difficult to mill.
EDM works only on electrically conductive materials and is generally slower than milling for bulk removal. The process leaves a thin recast layer and heat-affected zone, which may need to be minimised with finishing passes or removed for fatigue-critical parts. Sinker electrodes wear and must be allowed for, and dielectric condition, flushing and filtration strongly influence accuracy and finish.
Key points
- Removes material with controlled sparks in a dielectric fluid
- Wire EDM cuts through-profiles; sinker EDM forms cavities with shaped electrodes
- No cutting force, so hardened steels and carbide can be machined
- Works only on conductive materials and leaves a thin recast layer
Where AiVibe comes in
AiVibe designs and manufactures the AiAmbA AI Factory: edge devices plus AI agents that let people talk to CNC, PLC and robot controllers in plain language. Agents only propose changes, and a trained operator confirms each one.