Sinker EDM Services
If you’re looking to minimize machining risk with reliability and accuracy, our trusted partners can burn any electrically conductive material, whether soft or hard, without inducing stresses into the material. KLH offers Sinker EDM services through our extensive and qualified supplier partner network. As with all KLH orders, each job receives the same rigorous quality inspection before being released for shipment.
CNC-controlled sinker EDM services are an ideal low risk solution for dies, molds, or any piece with pre-existing machine or labor hours. Our experienced team understands when sinker EDM is the right machining solution for your project. Submit an RFQ today to get connected with the best process, lead time and price for your project.
Sinker EDM Capabilities
+/- 0.0002” TOLERANCE
Typical tolerance, but can vary due to type of material.
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C-AXIS ROTATION
Rotation around the Z-axis allows for threaded holes in hardened materials.
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12” X 10” x 10” WORK ENVELOPE
Fully-submersed in an oil bath to increase erosion rate.
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32 RMS OR HIGHER
Slower feed rates increase surface finish, but increase electrode wear.
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ALL CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL
Burns soft or hard metals, including carbide.
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REPAIR DAMAGED HOLES
Clean out damaged walls without affecting geometric position.
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Sinker EDM Photo and Video Gallery
When to Sinker EDM
A chief benefit of sinker EDM is the ability to produce complex shapes without inducing stresses into the material. Since the electrode is sunk, or lowered, into the material, it must be wider towards the top of the plunge than at the bottom.
Unlike wire EDM, sinker EDM does not cut all the way through the material (unless desired). As a result, sinker EDM has a wider variety of applications, such as blind cavities/keyways, thin walls, or cross sections. This versatility makes sinker EDM an efficient technology for stamping dies and injection molds.
Since the reverse image must be machined out of graphite, it is encouraged that the customer provides a 3D model. The more complex the required electrode, the more costly sinker EDM can become.
About Sinker EDM
Sinker EDM (also referred to as conventional or ram EDM) utilizes a custom-made electrode that “sinks” a shape into a material. Electrodes – which are commonly made of graphite, copper, or tungsten – appear as a reverse, or negative, of the required shape. As with all EDM services, the tool-electrode degrades with use, which requires additional electrodes for long-run sinker applications.
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What is the tightest radius sinker EDM can produce?
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0.0005”. For a tighter radius, consider wire EDM.
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How is this process similar to conventional EDM or ram EDM?
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They’re one in the same. A couple of terms are used synonymously.
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How are the custom electrodes made?
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Depending on the complexity of the shape, custom electrodes are typically made with CNC milling or CNC turning. It is preferred if KLH CNC machines any custom sinker EDM electrodes.
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How many electrodes do I need for sinker EDM?
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Electrode wear can be affected by a lot of variables, including material type, on/off times, and machine settings. A better surface finish, for example, requires more electrodes.
