Abstract

In traditional sink EDM, there is minimal benefit to machining with multiple tools at once. This is because discharges will tend to concentrate at a particular tool and periodically switch locations when the difference in gap sizes becomes significant. Despite the additional engaged machining area when using multiple tools, material removal rate either remains relatively unchanged, or is even worse in some cases when compared to a single tool.

The presented innovation employs multiple tools and a novel circuit configuration to create simultaneous discharges, effectively increasing the machining productivity by a factor of the number of tools used.

This innovation has been tested and validated with two tools, which allowed two work pieces to be machined simultaneously, and completed in half the time compared to conventional methods.

Applications

• Concurrent machining of multiple parts in Sink EDM
• Batch production

Advantages

• Achieves 2x faster machining
• Significant increase in power efficiency for EDM pulse generator topologies utilizing resistive elements to control spark current
• Easy to implement on any SEDM machine, technology incorporated into tool holder assembly
• Capability to scale beyond 2 tools for further improvement in productivity
• Increases productivity without compromising surface finish