Sinker EDM Capabilities
Advanced electrical discharge machining for aerospace applications, delivering precision, repeatability, and complex geometry capability.
Sinker EDM (ram or plunge EDM) is a highly specialized machining process used to manufacture intricate, high-precision aerospace components. Custom electrodes—formed from graphite, copper, tungsten, or brass—enable material removal from hardened workpieces without mechanical stress, preserving structural integrity and accuracy.
Machining Process
During machining, both the electrode and workpiece are submerged in a dielectric fluid. CNC-controlled systems guide the electrode with extreme precision. As it approaches the workpiece, electrical discharges generate controlled sparks that erode material at a microscopic level through melting and vaporization.
This process repeats at very high frequencies, allowing for consistent material removal while maintaining the tight tolerances required for aerospace-grade components.
Capabilities
- Complex 3D geometries and contoured surfaces
- Blind cavities and internal features
- Threading in hardened aerospace materials
- High-precision tolerances and repeatability
- Superior surface finishes via multi-pass machining
- Multi-up electrode configurations for production efficiency
Process Advantages
After initial roughing, additional 3D orbiting passes refine component geometry and enhance surface finish, ensuring compliance with demanding aerospace specifications.
Multi-part machining capability allows multiple components to be produced simultaneously, improving throughput while maintaining consistency and quality across runs.
Medical EDM Application
Sinker EDM is widely used in medical device manufacturing for producing high-precision bone screws and orthopedic components requiring tight tolerances and complex geometries.
The process enables burr-free machining of hardened implant-grade materials while maintaining dimensional accuracy and surface integrity.
Sinker EDM Capabilities
| Specification | Sinker EDM |
|---|---|
| Max. Material Thickness | 12″ (304.8 mm) |
| Max. Part Length | 24″ (609.6 mm) |
| Max. Part Width | 14″ (355.6 mm) |
| Taper Angle | — |
| Min. Internal Corner Radius | .001″ (.025 mm) |
| Wire/Electrode Diameter | — |
| Wire/Electrode Materials | Graphite Copper-impregnated Copper Tungsten |
| Tolerances (+/-) | +/-.0002″ |
| Equipment Capabilities | Four-axis CNC Multi-up fixtures & electrodes Temperature control |
Ready to discuss your precision machining needs? Please contact NJ Precision Technologies by phone at 1.800.409.3000, fax at 1.800.409.3022 or email at sales@njpt.com.
Visit our introductory pages for Wire EDM, Small Hole EDM and Sinker EDM more information on the EDM process.