EDM process minimizes polishing

Machine tool maker Makino has developed a proprietary sinker electrical discharge machining method that improves mold surface finishes, reduces machining times and hand-polishing time by up to 50%. Its high-quality surface finish (HQSF) process uses a powder additive that is mixed with the dielectric fluid to enhance electrical conductivity which leads to consistent discharging and spark diffusion. Better diffusion produces smaller crater for a superior surface finish without loss in metal removal rate. HQSF also reduces the heat-affected zone and allows machine tools to operate at lower ampacities.
A proprietary sinker electrical discharge machining (EDM) process can deliver improved mold surface finishes and shorter machining times while reducing hand-polishing time up to 50%, according to developer Makino (Mason, [...]