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For Beginners - What Is CNC EDM?

Learn the basics of what is Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). This article covers aspects of CNC EDM such as its technology, process, solutions, key features, application, advantages and limitations.

CNC EDM SINGAPORE

MP Asia Engineering

6/27/20254 min read

EDM in the CNC world stands for Electrical Discharge Machining. This solution refers to a manufacturing process that combines CNC technology with EDM to precisely shape and cut materials, typically metals, using electrical discharges (sparks). Since this article is for the beginners we will be looking at few basic aspects of CNC EDM. Let's start with CNC Technology first.

II) EDM Process
EDM is a non-traditional machining method that removes material by generating controlled electrical sparks between an electrode and the workpiece. The sparks erode the material, creating the desired shape.

There are two main types of EDM:

Wire EDM: Uses a thin, electrically charged wire to cut through the material.
Sinker EDM (Ram EDM): Uses a pre-shaped electrode to create cavities or complex shapes in the workpiece.

I) CNC Technology
CNC systems use computerized controls to automate and precisely guide machine tools. This allows for high accuracy, repeatability, and the ability to produce complex geometries. For more info on the basics of CNC check out our article "For all those that are interested to know the basics of CNC machining". Now moving forward let's look at what CNC EDM process is all about.

Now that you know what is CNC and EDM, lets look at what the solution offered by CNC engineering companies are all about.

III) CNC EDM Solution
A CNC EDM solution integrates CNC controls with EDM machines, enabling automated, precise, and efficient machining. The CNC system controls the movement of the electrode or wire, as well as the electrical parameters, to achieve the desired shape and surface finish.

Let's look at some key features of CNC EDM Solutions:

High Precision: Capable of achieving tolerances within microns.
Complex Geometries: ideal for intricate shapes and fine details.
Material Versatility: Can machine hard, brittle, or heat-resistant materials that are difficult to cut with traditional methods.
No Direct Contact: Since EDM uses electrical discharges, there is no physical contact between the tool and workpiece, reducing mechanical stress.

Hope this gave you some basic understanding of what the CNC EDM solution offered by CNC engineering companies are all about.

If you are wondering where are these solution application for? Well here are some examples

Aerospace: For machining turbine blades and other critical components.
Medical: For producing surgical tools and implants.
Mold and Die Making: For creating intricate molds and dies.
Automotive: For manufacturing precision parts like gears and injectors.

There are many types of CNC solution. EDM is just one of the method of making tools. So why do customers prefer EDM? Let's look at the advantages of CNC EDM solution.

Exceptional accuracy and surface finish.
Ability to machine hard materials.
Minimal tool wear compared to traditional machining.
You can check out our article "Why choose CNC EDM over other methods" for a more detailed approach on this topic.

Now in this even expanding industry new effective solutions are always popping up. Her are some limitations of CNC EDM solutions that customers face;

Slower material removal rates compared to conventional machining
Higher initial setup and operating costs.
Limited to electrically conductive materials.

So basically a CNC EDM solution is a highly advanced manufacturing technique that leverages the precision of CNC systems and the unique capabilities of EDM to produce complex, high-quality parts from challenging materials.

Here at MP Asia Engineering we have been doing CNC EDM solutions since 2015. Check out our CNC EDM page for more details.

If you are interested to learn about the Singapore CNC EDM solution market then you can read this article, "How is the market for CNC EDM solution in Singapore? Who are the service provider proving CNC EDM solution in Singapore?"

We hope this article helped you. Moving forward if you have any questions or feedback regarding this article feel free to contact us at blog@mpasiaengineering.com