sähköpurkaustyöstö

Sähköpurkaustyöstö, often abbreviated as SP, is a manufacturing process used to shape hard and brittle materials through controlled electrical discharges. It falls under the broader category of unconventional machining methods. The core principle involves creating a series of electrical sparks between a workpiece and an electrode, both submerged in a dielectric fluid. This fluid, typically oil or deionized water, acts as an insulator and flushes away removed material.

The process begins with a high-frequency, low-voltage electrical pulse applied to the gap between the electrode and the workpiece. When the voltage exceeds the dielectric strength of the fluid, a spark occurs. This spark generates intense heat and pressure, causing a small amount of material to be vaporized or melted from both the electrode and the workpiece. The cycle of pulsing and spark generation is repeated thousands of times per second.

Key advantages of sähköpurkaustyöstö include its ability to machine extremely hard materials like tool steels, carbides, and exotic alloys, which are difficult to machine with traditional methods. It also allows for intricate shapes, sharp corners, and fine surface finishes. The process is non-contact, meaning there is no mechanical force applied to the workpiece, which is beneficial for delicate parts. However, it can be slow compared to conventional machining and the electrode wears down during the process, requiring replacement. Common applications include mold and die making, precision component manufacturing, and producing complex geometries in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing.