Edm Processing Time

1. Consult the manufacturer. The rate of material removal would have been discussed before purchasing the equipment, right? Production rate and all.

2. Keep a log. Record the parameters of each job and build your own data base.

3. Ask your competitors.

It really depends on the job, materials, complexity and the type of machining you are doing.

You might search the web, or previous CR4 posts.

Good luck.

thank you very much .this would give a big help.but i think it would take a long time since the machine is already install. im working in fujitsu(die and mold making) as a Production control im the one who make process for all the machine like wirecut and edm thats why before hand i had to know the process time for my planning.but any way i appreciate your suggestion and as a start it will help me alot

thanks again

It would depend on voltage and electrolyte flow.

As stated before as the manufacturer.

ps i helped build one of those many years ago, foe export to japan.

And also build a small working model.

Somone else built the control mechanism but i built the machine.

It was to texture the final roller in a steel mill.

It was big!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_discharge_machining

For those who dont know what it is.

Hello,

You have to define which EDM process that you are using. Sodick provides very detailed work tables that helps you figure out the burn time whether it is Wire or Sinker EDM. Newer wire machines can remove 14"+ square inches per min if all conditions are perfect, but they never are, so along with the guides from any manufacturer you must have knowledge based formulas to help you. You have to add in for basic set-up. If it is it a simple or complex set-up?, is it a one time job or a multi piece order. All of this knowledge can be gleaned from the EDM operator, if you are respectful and patient, you will get great input and learn what it takes to burn any job from him/her.

As for sinker EDM I can really speak to that as I have years of hands on experience. Each manufacturer supplies detailed calcs for metal removal rate. Most are very accurate. You have to add a large dose of hands-on knowledge to those calcs to allow for electrode mfg, and set-up, machine mood swings and bad flushing.

Starting with what surface finish you want to end with, you can calculate how much amperage is needed in roughing and finishing a job. This is based on the particular surface area and volume of electrode in contact with the workpiece at any given time. Electrode wear is a big factor and this has to be forecast so as just enough electrodes are made to complete the job. An experienced operator can give you a wealth of input on this subject and can tell you if he will orbit to the finished dimensions with one or two 'trodes or need multiple roughing -semi-finish and finish 'trodes. All part of the time and material calcs. The workpiece material, electrode material, i.e. copper or graphite or copper graphite makes a big difference in removal rate. All this is given by the machine manufacturer. One of the most labor intensive parts of sinker EDM is preparing the electrode/s and flushing holes. Even with the new machines, it is faster to use flushing holes. Hope these comments help.

In a nut shell ask the EDM operator how long a variety of jobs take, add 1-2 hours for set-up and the time to make 'trodes into all your calcs. A thousand of an inch per minute in depth is a good general rule of thumb for completing most jobs + the set-up and tear-down.

Good Luck!

There's nothing like the voice of experience. Good explanation.

Hello LynLynch,

Thank you.