Elektrilahendustöötlus

Elektrilahendustöötlus, often referred to as Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), is a manufacturing process that uses electrical discharges to shape conductive materials. It is particularly effective for machining hard metals and intricate shapes that are difficult to produce with conventional machining methods. The process involves creating a controlled electrical spark between an electrode and the workpiece. This spark, when repeated thousands of times per second, erodes small particles from the workpiece, gradually shaping it to the desired form.

The EDM process requires a dielectric fluid, such as deionized water or oil, to surround the electrode and workpiece. This fluid serves multiple purposes: it acts as an insulator to build up the necessary voltage for the spark, it flushes away eroded particles, and it helps to cool the electrode and workpiece. The electrode itself is typically made of a conductive material like graphite or copper and is often shaped to mirror the desired cavity in the workpiece.

There are several types of EDM, including die-sinking EDM (also known as conventional EDM) and wire EDM. Die-sinking EDM uses a shaped electrode to create cavities, while wire EDM uses a thin, continuously moving wire as the electrode to cut through the material. EDM is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing for creating molds, dies, tools, and precision components. Its ability to machine complex geometries and hard materials makes it a valuable technique in modern manufacturing.