FAQ

• What is EDM machining — and when should I use it instead of CNC?

  EDM uses electrical sparks (not cutting tools) to erode material. You should consider EDM when: (1) your material is too hard for conventional cutting — typically HRC 50+; (2) you need sharp internal corners or narrow slots that a rotating cutter can't produce; (3) the feature is fragile or thin-walled and can't tolerate cutting forces. For everything else, CNC milling or turning is usually faster and cheaper.

• Can you EDM hardened steel without cracking or distortion?

  Yes — that's one of the main reasons people choose EDM. Because there's no cutting force and heat is extremely localized, hardened parts typically don't distort during EDM the way they might under a clamped-down milling operation. The main consideration is the thin recast layer that forms on the cut surface; we can remove it by polishing or lapping if your application requires it.

• How accurate is wire EDM — can I use it instead of grinding for tolerance work?

  For many applications, yes. Wire EDM holds ±0.003 mm on profile tolerances routinely. For shafts or bores where roundness and surface finish are the priority, cylindrical grinding is usually still the better process. For profiles, die sets, and prismatic features, wire EDM at ±0.003 mm is often more cost-effective than grinding.

• What file formats do you need for wire EDM programming?

  2D DXF or DWG for wire EDM profiles. 3D STEP or IGES for sinker EDM electrode design. PDF drawings with dimensions and tolerances are required alongside CAD files for all jobs.