Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of electrical discharge machining (EDM)?
How does the electrical discharge machining (EDM) technique remove material from the workpiece?
What is the primary role of the dielectric fluid in electrical discharge machining (EDM)?
What happens to the electrode after it is used in a wire EDM system?
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Which of the following is NOT a common dielectric fluid used in EDM?
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What is one of the main challenges associated with operating electrical discharge machining (EDM) systems?
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What mechanism is responsible for material removal in the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process?
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What is the typical kerf measurement in electrical discharge machining (EDM)?
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What is the expected machining accuracy for parts fabricated using electrical discharge machining (EDM)?
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In an electrical discharge machining (EDM) process, what happens immediately after a spark occurs?
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What is a significant characteristic of the surface finish achieved by electrical discharge machining (EDM)?
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Study Notes
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Overview
- EDM is a precise and high-cost machining technique.
- Utilizes a conductive part submerged in dielectric fluid, such as oil or de-ionized water.
Process of EDM
- A computer-controlled table positions the conductive workpiece.
- An electrode approaches the part closely.
- Pulsed electrical power is applied to create a spark by reaching the breakdown voltage of the dielectric.
- The spark removes material from both the workpiece and electrode.
Material Removal and Cooling
- After each spark, dielectric fluid quickly clears away waste material.
- The cooling effect of the fluid protects the part during machining.
- The workpiece gradually erodes until achieving the desired shape.
Cost Considerations
- Electrodes represent a significant operating cost in EDM.
- Wire electrode systems are designed for single use, cutting through the work area only once before disposal.
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
- EDM is a precise and costly machining technique that allows for intricate shapes and high accuracy.
- A conductive part is placed on a computer-controlled table and immersed in dielectric fluid, typically oil or de-ionized water.
- An electrode is brought close to the workpiece and receives pulsed electrical power, causing a voltage surge that initiates a spark.
- The spark generated between the electrode and the workpiece effectively removes material from both, sculpting the desired shape.
- Following each spark, the dielectric fluid flows in to clean up waste material and assist in cooling the part.
- The machining process involves the gradual erosion of the workpiece until it reaches the specified dimensions.
Efficiency and Cost Factors
- Electrodes represent a significant operational expense in the EDM process; they require careful management to control costs.
- In wire EDM systems, the wire electrode is used only once and then discarded, which can increase material costs over time.
- The process maintains a kerf (width of the cut) of approximately 0.001 inches (0.03 mm), ensuring consistent cutting accuracy.
- Machining accuracy can commonly achieve levels of around 0.001 inches (0.03 mm), with the potential for greater precision for high-tolerance applications.
- The EDM process is known for producing high-quality surface finishes, enhancing the overall quality of machined components.
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Description
Learn about the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) technique, a precise and expensive machining method that uses a pulsed electrical power to remove material from a workpiece. Understand how it works and its applications.
