The evolution of CNC EDM technology: releasing precision, automation, intelligence and efficiency.
Under the unremitting pursuit of precision, automation, intelligence and efficiency, the numerical control electrical discharge machining technology has undergone revolutionary changes.In recent years, the research and development of new spark erosion machines by Swiss Archie, Swiss Chamele, Japanese Sadick, Japanese Makino and Mitsubishi Japan, etc., have pushed this technology to a new height. The introduction of advanced processing techniques has made the production of high-precision molds possible, such as Micro connectors, plastic connectors, integrated circuits, mobile phones and CD cases, etc.
Precision: The Cornerstone of CNC EDM
The precision core of CNC electrical discharge machining process is reflected in the requirements for dimensional accuracy, contour accuracy and surface quality. At present, the processing accuracy has been improved to RA 0.3 μm. By adopting a series of advanced processing techniques, mirror-like processing effects can be achieved, and high-precision molds can be successfully manufactured. Modern mold enterprises have not yet fully utilized advanced edm machine technologies such as CNC electrical discharge machining and applied them in the field of precision machine tools. Therefore, it is of vital importance to further promote the development of existing numerical control processing technology and continuously improve the processing accuracy of molds.
Intelligence: The New Frontier of CNC EDM
The emergence of intelligent control technology has driven CNC electrical discharge machining into a new stage of development. The introduction of expert systems is a key manifestation of the intelligence of CNC electrical discharge machining machines. It realizes the automation of online processing and monitoring, thereby obtaining the best processing conditions. The expert system adopts a human-computer dialogue approach to automatically calculate and configure processing conditions based on indicators such as processing shape, electrodes, workpiece material, processing position, target, electrode scale, vibration mode, and taper value. Fuzzy control technology represents another significant advancement. It can determine the state of the processing electric spark and select the most stable processing conditions, thereby achieving the best processing effect under stable arc maintenance conditions.
Automation: The Key to Efficient, High-Quality Production
Automation remains a pivotal element in CNC EDM, enabling unattended operation and boosting production efficiency. The latest CNC EDM machines feature standardised electrode and lighting libraries, enabling round-the-clock machining. Automated operations reduce operator workload while boosting productivity. However, the relatively high cost of automation components limits widespread adoption among mould manufacturers. Automation in CNC EDM also facilitates functions such as automatic measurement and calibration, automated positioning, and multi-part sequential machining, thereby achieving high-precision, high-quality production.