“It is possible to be more predictive than, ‘This has worked for me in the past so I’ll try now.’ With that mindset, you’re just tinkering with settings until you get something to work. The better you understand the process, the faster you can get to the most optimized settings for your job.”

That’s how our sinker EDM product manager, Pat Crownhart, recently described the importance of understanding the relationship between each individual spark, the electrode and the workpiece to Modern Machine Shop magazine.

The article, “Inside the Sinker EDM Process, One Spark at a Time,” explains how different waveforms affect a burn. Pat likens the waveform, the amperage, to a shovel that removes material from the workpiece. He describes the voltage as the shovel’s handle, how long the shovel can reach. He describes how understanding and being able to adjust these factors can affect the part.

He also describes why sparks, especially in the same spot continuously, may not be so good in the EDM process. While modern power supplies can react to inconsistent sparks, contamination is still a major consideration. “You can only machine as fast you’re moving contaminants,” Pat explained.

To learn more about how you can optimize your sinker’s settings for the best results, read the full article here.

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