DISCUSSION

The EDM machine is used to cut sheet metal into desired shape by using the NC
programming. Before beginning process of cutting, we were required to create our own
design or shape to be cut by the EDM machine. Our group has decided to make a shape that
looks like a spanner. After creating our own design, then we converted the design into NM
programming form so the EDM machine could read it. We are using G-code and M-code for
our programming. The G-codes that we used are G90, G40, G01, G02, and G03. While for
M-codes we used are M00, M02, M80, M82, and M84. M-code stands for the coding of the
machine while G-codes stands for the coding of the cutting tools. The EDM machine uses
0.2mm diameter of copper wire as the cutting tool to cut aluminium plate of thickness 5mm.
Wire EDM cutting, also known as electrical discharge machining, is a process that
uses an electrically energized thin wire to slice through metal. Wire EDM cutting uses rapid,
controlled, repetitive spark discharges from the wire to the work piece, which eroding the
metal away. The work piece must be electrically conductive and thats why we use aluminium
as the base metal. Wire EDM can cut material thickness from only a few thousandths of an
inch to several inches. Custom tooling is generally not needed. Wire EDM cutting can
provide high dimensional accuracy for close fitting parts. The process can make sharp inside
corners. The machine also can cut most any simple or complex 2D shape including cut outs
and thin walls, intricate openings and sharp inside corners.
Every machine has their own advantages and disadvantages. EDM Wire Cut also has
its own particular advantages. The machine is capable in cutting materials with different
hardness. EDM-Wire Cut is much faster than EDM. It can cuts intricate shapes, narrow slots,
small products and others. Furthermore no burrs generated during the process. The wire
electrodes used are much cheaper than shaped electrodes in EDM. Nowadays, EDM Wire Cut
able to cut tapered shape products. EDM is a highly accurate method of part production. Wire
EDM technology is essential for higher tolerance parts and repeatable tooling. Tolerances are
held to .0002" in our temperature controlled facility. Achieving high accuracy and tighter
tolerances is essential for many industries such as aerospace, medical, injection molding and
tool and die.
Besides that, EDM-Wire Cut also has their disadvantages. The EDM-Wire Cut Machine
more expensive than other machine. Also, higher skills are needed to handle the machine. For
the work piece, only conductors can be machine because the machine uses electricity on the

cutting tools to aid the cutting process. EDM-wire cut have slow material removal rate
(MRR) and less flexible compared others machine.

REFERENCES
1) Krar, Stephen F. and Gill, Arthur R. (2003) Exploring Advanced Manufacturing
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Technologies, Industrial Press Inc.

Jameson, E. C. (2001). Electrical Discharge Machining
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_discharge_machining
http://www.xactedm.com/edm-capabilities/how-edm-works/
http://www.thomasnet.com/articles/custom-manufacturing-fabricating/Wire-Cut-EDM