Editorial, News, and Products
How to EDM Steel and Copper Alloy Simultaneously
A strategy for machining details when the part geometry falls across multiple workpiece materials.
Poco Graphite Expands EDM Support Team
Poco Graphite announces an addition to its EDM team.
2018 Technology Review and Sourcing Guide: EDM
MoldMaking Technology’s annual Technology Review and Sourcing Guide is an accurate, comprehensive, easy-to-read and easy-to-use use guide for researching today’s technology, equipment, products and services. The year’s latest moldmaking product developments within mold engineering/design, build and maintenance/repair are broken down into 10 sections, including EDM.
Premium Graphite Enables Maximum Efficiency and Detail
At Amerimold 2018, Poco Graphite is showcasing the variety of applications that its end users achieve with its line of graphites, particularly for EDM electrodes.
High-Speed Mills Increase Output of Complex Graphite Electrodes
Tri-Gemini LLC has added graphite milling capability with the purchase of two additional GF+ Mikron 500 high-speed mills.
Electrodes Highlight Power of Machining with EDM Graphites
The company showcases several machined electrodes of various material classifications to demonstrate the type of machining detail that can be achieved with Poco EDM materials.
Technology Tuesday: EDM Success
Cruise through this week’s Technology Tuesday slideshow to see EDM units that shops across the country have used to increase capacity and leverage greater efficiency in their processes.
Top-Viewed Articles on MMT
Click through the slideshow to see which topics have been of particular interest to the MMT community over the years.
Throwback Thursday: Criteria for Effective EDM
The work metal, EDM process priority, electrode material and machine are the four main considerations for effective EDM of non-standard alloys. These four areas play a critical role in making the overall EDM process profitable. Read this archived article for more.
SLIDESHOW: The Final Countdown to Amerimold
It’s Amerimold Eve! Our exhibitors are assembling and putting final touches on their booth displays today and there are so many new companies – plus familiar companies who have something new to show attendees. Amerimold 2017 is not to be missed.
An Added Layer of EDM Knowledge
Understanding electrode material selection and the relationship among the electrode, workpiece material and machine parameters can improve EDM efficiency.
Making EDM Profitable
The workpiece material and the process parameters of a sinker EDM operation can impact productivity and profitability.
Graphite vs. Copper Electrode Material for EDM Applications, Part 2
Test findings and a cost of ownership model help identify the monetary impact graphite and copper electrode materials have on manufacturing.
Graphite vs. Copper Electrode Material for EDM Applications, Part 1
If you’ve been torn in the long-standing, unresolved debate over whether graphite or copper is a better EDM electrode material, here are some considerations identifying differences in cost, detail and performance to help you select the appropriate material for EDM applications.
Using Technology Benchmarks to Determine Operational Performance
Everyone wants to optimize efficiency and cost savings.
Understanding the Total Package of the EDM Production Process Is the Key to Raising Productivity
The best way to determine the training best suited to your company is to find out what your customers need.
How EDM Training Can Boost Productivity
Even the shortest of training sessions provide the opportunity to recover any costs incurred in a very short time.
EDM Efficiencies Excel
Advancements in EDM processes in terms of machining speed and surface finish improve overall accuracy, productivity and profitability.
How to Deal with Graphite Dust, Part 2
A review of the explosive potential of graphite dust and how to dispose of remnants that may be accumulating around the shop.
How to Deal with Graphite Dust, Part 1
A review of the characteristics and considerations when handling graphite dust.
Diamond-Like Carbon Mold Coatings for Increased Durability
Hardness, wear resistance, deposition temperature and uniformity are the main elements to consider when choosing a coating for mold components.
Changes to Electrode Material And EDM Program Yield Increased Throughput
A look at the positive effects of a change of electrode material.
Material System to Extend Component Life
UltraC Diamond DLC Coatings.
Total Cost of Ownership and Productivity Analysis for EDM, Part 2
An actual application and comparison of the cost effectiveness of two different electrode materials.
Total Cost of Ownership and Productivity Analysis for EDM, Part 1
Using the graphite TCO model shows business owners how to save time and money in their EDM operation.
Electrode Material Effect on CNC EDM, Part 1
When all the factors of the EDM process are taken into consideration, savings on the electrode material cost can result in a much larger overall cost.
Electrode Material effect On CNC EDM, Part 2
A discussion of the reasons why the use of more, economical electrode material is not always the most cost-efficient means of CNC EDM
Electrode Effect on a Quality EDM Finish
The production of fine surface finishes in the cavity does not come with the technological improvements of the EDM sinker unless an electrode material of higher quality is used.
Part Two of a Two-Part Series EDM’s Effect on Surface Integrity
To improve the potential for success in quality mold production, moldmakers need to understand some specific characteristics of the electrode material as well as certain facets of the EDM process that affect surface finish and integrity.
EDM’s Effect on Surface Integrity
Understanding the various layers of a cavity that are thermally altered by the EDM process will help you understand how EDM affects the integrity of the mold surface.
Sometimes Graphite Just Isn’t Enough
EDMing with exotic metals requires a little something extra, like copper graphite electrodes.
A Double Whammy
The solution to solving problems associated with EDMing high copper alloy work metal involves finding the right graphite electrodes.
The Graphite Link to Success
Graphite selection is the key to achieving optimum performance from the equipment on your shop floor.
Selecting the Right Graphite Grade
Selection of the proper graphite grade requires an understanding of the physical properties and how they affect electrode fabrication and performance during the EDM process.
Total Cost of Ownership and Productivity Analysis for EDM
Using the graphite TCO model shows business owners how to save time and money in their EDM operation.
The Role of Graphite in a Quality EDM Finish
While many moldmakers believe that they can get away with lower-grade graphite if they have a quality EDM machine, in reality, the quality of graphite plays a much larger role in achieving the right EDM finish.