Material Compatibility | EDM Technical Reference Library

Technical Reference EDM Electrode Materials Guide Electrode material is selected from cavity size, detail, finish, current density, wear, machining effort, and shop handling. A material that roughs quickly may chip at fine edges, while a fine-detail electrode may… Technical Reference EDM For Aluminum Aluminum alloys cut efficiently by EDM, but high conductivity, soft edges, oxide, distortion, and corrosion protection affect setup and finishing. Soft stock can mark or move, and high flushing or heat input… Technical Reference EDM For Carbide And Hard Metal Carbide and conductive hard metals can be EDM machined, but brittle edge chipping, cobalt-binder response, subsurface damage, and recast control dominate the plan. Aggressive roughing can chip edges or damage the binder… Technical Reference EDM For Hardened Steel Hardened steel is where EDM often has the clearest advantage: the process cuts without tool deflection or hardness-driven cutting force. Hard thin walls can move after material removal, and high-energy discharge can… Technical Reference EDM For Inconel And Nickel Alloys Inconel and nickel alloys are good EDM candidates because hardness and work hardening do not create cutting force, but fatigue and thermal surface condition need attention. Low conductivity and heat-resistant composition can… Technical Reference EDM For Stainless Steel Stainless steels are EDM-compatible, but austenitic, martensitic, duplex, and precipitation-hardening grades need different condition, stress, recast, corrosion, and passivation planning. A smooth surface can still contain recast or a heat-affected condition that… Technical Reference EDM For Titanium Titanium is conductive and EDM-compatible; the main planning issue is thermal surface integrity rather than cutting hardness. Aggressive discharge can leave recast or microcracks on fatigue-critical surfaces, while thin sections still need… Technical Reference EDM For Tool Steel Tool steels are strong EDM candidates in hardened condition, especially for punches, dies, inserts, ribs, and wear details that are difficult to cut mechanically. Residual stress, edge microcracking, recast, and corner damage… Technical Reference EDM Material Compatibility Guide A production drawing must define the material state that the EDM process and inspection plan will actually encounter. Vague family names, missing conditions, or hidden interfaces create unstable quoting and acceptance. Technical Reference EDM Material Compatibility Guide A material can conduct electricity and still be a poor EDM match for a specific feature. Screen the family for stress release, soft or brittle edges, recast behavior, corrosion, and process access… Technical Reference EDM Material Export Review Guide A material export review should be triggered by the exact alloy, controlled substance status, destination, and end use—not by a broad metal-family name. Unnecessary export language can obstruct normal parts, while an… Technical Reference Sinker EDM Materials Guide Sinker EDM materials must be conductive and must allow electrode access; material behavior then affects electrode wear, cavity flushing, recast, and post-process. Copying one electrode and energy plan across copper alloys, tool… Technical Reference Wire EDM Materials Guide Wire EDM materials must be conductive and must allow a continuous wire path; grade and condition then control speed, stress release, corrosion, and finish. Soft conductive alloys can mark or move, hardened…