Electrical discharge machining equipment (EDM) is capable of machining hard metals that you cannot machine using traditional machining centers. EDM is a special type of machining process for machining electrically conductive metals. An EDM machine connects a metal workpiece to a power supply and uses a shaped tool or electrode. Electrical discharge machines are useful for manufacturers serving the aerospace or automotive chemical industries.

EDM machines come in two types: a wire EDM machine and a cavity EDM machine. The wire EDM machine pre-drills a hole in the components and then feeds an electrode through the hole and the cavity EDM machine uses a machined graphite or copper electrode for machining the components.

Some important parameters you must consider before buying electrical discharge machining (EDM) equipment:

1. Material of the components
2. Material for electric discharge machine electrodes: graphite, tungsten, molybdenum or copper graphite
3. Specifications of the electric discharge machine: current and voltage rating, material removal rate, maximum dimension of the components
4. Power consumption of the electric discharge machine

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy EDM machinery from a reliable manufacturer

Once you understand your application requirements, you can buy an electrode discharge machine from a reliable manufacturer.

I recommend: MC Machinery Systems, a reputable industrial equipment manufacturer, offers a wide variety of EDM equipment. GF AgieCharmilles is another industrial equipment supplier that manufactures EDM machines.

Buy electrical discharge machining equipment from reputable distributors

You can compare different electrical discharge machining equipment based on features and prices at distributors or retailers' websites. Buy used EDM equipment to provide a cost-effective solution for your machining requirements.

I recommend: You can buy electrical discharge machining equipment at North-South Machinery, a distributor of reputable manufacturers such as Tornos, Hurco and Mitsubishi. Technical Equipment Sales is another industrial equipment distributor that also supplies EDM equipment. Concept Machine Tool, a reputable machine tool distributor, offers EDM machines. You can also buy used EDM equipment at Surplus Record Machinery & Equipment, an industrial retailer of used equipment.

Buy EDM supplies and parts for your electrical discharge machinery

Use standard EDM parts and supplies for efficient and safe operation of your EDM equipment.

I recommend: GIS, an industrial equipment parts supplier, provides EDM supplies including EDM wires, EDM electrodes and EDM wires. You can buy EDM wires, EDM filters and EDM fluids at Millennium Machinery, a reputable supplier of high quality machine tools. Belmont Equipment & Technologies is another supplier of EDM supplies such as EDM wires, EDM drills and EDM sinkers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For efficient and durable operations of your EDM equipment, service and recondition it periodically.