Most mold builders are familiar with the 5S workplace organization method for lean manufacturing, which embraces the concepts of sort, set in order, shine, standardize and sustain. Each aspect focuses on avoiding waste and can easily serve as a basis for continuous improvement within mold shops that use EDM and graphite. […]
There has been a long-standing, unresolved debate over whether graphite or copper is a better EDM electrode material. The preference is most always the same in any one geographical region. In North America , the preferred electrode material has shifted from copper to graphite. In Europe and Asia, many argue that copper is the preferable [...]
In plain vertical eroding, the eroded configuration is already dimensionally determined by the shape and dimensions of the electrode. Machining of undercuts is not feasible. […]
Die sinking EDM works wonders in cutting contours or cavities in pre-hardened steel. When dealing with complex shapes, however, milling the electrodes that produce these intricate pieces can be a quite involved and time-consuming process, so manufacturers want to extend electrode life as much as possible. […]
The graphite industry is constantly striving to produce higher quality grades. Graphite materials have continued to evolve along with the other aspects of the EDM industry, […]
High-speed machining centers have made it possible to machine intricate detail into almost any grade of graphite, a task that would have been impossible using manual or CNC machining equipment. […]
EDMing thin ribs is a difficult application. High-speed machining of the elec-trodes has made it possible to fabricate these electrodes from grades that are not capable of maintaining the detail in the cavity. […]
EDMing thin ribs is a difficult application. High-speed machining of the elec-trodes has made it possible to fabricate these electrodes from grades that are not capable of maintaining the detail in the cavity. The ideal graphite grade for thin ribs should have a flexural strength above 10,000 psi. […]
High-speed machining centers have made it possible to machine intricate detail into almost any grade of graphite, a task that would have been impossible using manual or CNC machining equipment. The high-speed spindles, making multiple passes with smaller chip loads, allow thin ribs to be machined without putting pressure on the rib. Materials with low [...]
The physical properties of each grade of graphite determine the ranking within classifications. The properties that influence performance are particle size, flexural strength and shore hardness. These properties along with a photomicrograph of the microstructure are the best tools for predicting graphite performance. […]