With decades of experience in aerospace engineering, Fastener Technology Corp.’s skilled technicians utilize a range of processes, including electrical discharge machining.

While most manufacturing processes use some form of mechanical force, EDM use thermal energy to remove material. EDM, or electrical discharge machining, has been used in the engineering industry for decades, but recent advances in the use of this technology have seen a rise in accuracy, making it a good choice in instances where CNC turning and milling can’t produce the necessary cut, such as in a particularly deep cavity, or when sharp internal corners are present.

Types of EDM manufacturing

EDM works by using electrical sparks to shape metal. Two electrodes are submerged in a dielectric fluid to create current discharges (sparks) which make cuts in the metal by vaporizing it. The dielectric fluid carries the melted particles away to form the desired shape. There are three main types of EDM manufacturing: wire EDM, die sinking EDM and hole drilling EDM.
Also known as ram EDM, die sinking EDM is suitable for machining complex cavities and recesses. The process involves the formation of a die from a graphite electrode in the opposite shape to the required recess or cavity. Wire EDM, or wire erosion, is usually used to produce extrusion dies. Instead of a reverse-shape die, a very fine electrically charged wire is used to produce precise, 2-dimensional cuts in 3-dimensinal parts. Hole drilling EDM is used to cut holes; because the ejected particles are removed by the dielectric fluid as part of the process, high levels of accuracy can be achieved with extremely deep and small holes, and deburring is not required.

FTC’s EDM machining services

There are several benefits of using EDM machining over other machining techniques. EDM machining allows the production of deep, precise cuts that are not achievable via other machining processes. The lack of burr creation as a result of the process is an additional benefit, that allows customers to achieve a high-quality finish without the need for additional procedures. What’s more, EDM manufacturing is effective on any conductive material, regardless of hardness, making it a suitable choice when working on metallics such as tungsten carbide and Inconel.
At FTC, we work closely with our clients to advise the most suitable materials, manufacturing processes and design features to deliver the highest quality fasteners, on time, every time.