EDM Competence Centre
More than 10 years of competency in the field of electro discharge machining, especially with micro spark erosion, is combined with the request and requirements from users and manufacturers. Therefore, in autumn 2007, a competency and technology centre for EDM has been established and built-up at IMM.
Declared aim is the realisation of new and required processing technologies at IMM, particularly in the micro range. The field of responsibility additionally comprises new and further development of machine and device technology as well as process technology development in the micro range from various materials and requirements at application level. Together with machine and peripheral equipment manufacturers packet solutions are developed for the realisation of customers' needs. Automation of micro spark erosion processes and design of µ-EDM machine concepts for an economic series fabrication of micro structural elements is an additional focus.
Furthermore, training courses for customer personnel in the field EDM micro processing as well as for finding the right operational parameters can be offered.
Manufacturers of machines and accessory devices as well as technology users are invited to get convinced by our service capability.
References:
Mitsubishi, Agie-Charmilles, Zimmer+Kreim, ITS Technologie, Hirschmann, etc.
Electrical discharge machining (EDM)
EDM is a material removing manufacturing technology, where the workpiece material is locally melted-off due to electrical discharges. Nearly any electrically conductive material can be machined with this method,regardless of its physical characteristics. Basically, two variations of EDM can be distinguished, wire- and die-sinking EDM.
Wire EDM
A continuous running wire is used as the tool. The wire material and diameter can be adapted to different processes and requirements. The machine sytems installed at IMM can handle a range of wires from 0,02 mm up to 0,33 mm. Normally, wire EDM machines are 5-axis-CNC systems and are used to fabricate cylindrical as well as conical workpieces. With integration of optional axes and spinners, EDM turning as well as rotary/linear simultaneous machining is possible.
Die-sinking EDM
Pre-shaped electrodes consisting of different materials are used as die-sinking tools, to transfer their shape as a negative structure into the workpiece. Nearly sharp inner corners can be realised. In addition, an EDM drilling can be processed, using micro cylindrical electrodes to realize micro holes with a diameter of 20 µm or less. Furthermore, with use of 3D-microstructured rotational symmetrical electrodes, complex 3D inner and outer structures e.g. spiral grooves can be realized. Besides EDM drilling, cylindrical micro electrodes will also find a use in EDM milling. Even in hardened materials, 2D and 3D micro parts with small structure elements can be machined.
Contact: Frank Neumann, Head of Precision Engineering Department,
Phone: +49 6131/990 180
