Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is a manufacturing process that uses electrical sparks to remove material from a workpiece. Here's a simple explanation:
Setup:
Place a conductive workpiece (usually metal) and an electrode (often made of copper or graphite) close to each other in a dielectric fluid.
Generate Sparks:
Apply electrical voltage between the workpiece and the electrode, creating sparks.
Material Removal:
The sparks erode the workpiece, removing tiny particles.
Dielectric Fluid:
The dielectric fluid flushes away debris and helps control the sparking process.
Precision Machining:
EDM can achieve high precision, creating intricate shapes and fine details.
Types of EDM:
Wire EDM uses a thin wire as the electrode.
Sinker (or Ram) EDM uses a shaped electrode to create a negative of its shape in the workpiece.
Applications:
EDM is used for making molds, dies, and components with tight tolerances.
It's effective for hard materials that are challenging to machine using traditional methods.