Tips for Controlling Oxidation and Pitting on a Wire EDM
Additives, machine settings, workpiece materials and current technology are factors in avoiding common problems with unwanted rust and surface defects.
Share
Additives:
Additives do help in controlling oxidation and pitting of a variety of materials. These products help a great deal when cutting a workpiece with pre-polished surfaces.
Set the water conductivity to 5 microS or less, which is typically recommended for carbide, PCD, titanium, and fine finishes (<10 micro inches). This will also help keep bluing to a minimum on older non-anti-electrolysis generators.
Check water pH. Acidic detergents used to clean parts and tank will have a dramatic effect on parts rusting and will reduce the life of the deionization bottles.
Mix Workpiece Materials
With all the new and old types of alloys available, material incompatibility may cause surface issues. However, EDM field technicians have yet to document an instance where this situation has occurred.
New Machines
Most current wire EDMs are equipped with Anti-Electrolysis generators, some better then others. It basically comes down to how good the technology is and how fine of a surface finish the generator is capable of producing. A machine that is capable of producing a super fine finish (< 5 micro inches) can generate optimum surface integrity.
One example is the GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 that can machine parts with zero corrosion. The CUT 1000 is available in an oil version. With this feature, there is absolutely no electrolysis, corrosion and virtually zero recast.
Related Content
GF Machining Solutions EDM Features Enhanced Control
The Cut F 600’s iWire function automatically identifies and adapts wire speed to changing erosion height conditions during the wire EDM process, eliminating wire breakage while reducing overall wire consumption.
Read More
Electrical Discharge Machining in Ten Articles
This roundup of the top ten Electrical Discharge Machining articles on ¸ßÅâÂÊÁùºÏ²Ê covers the wide range of EDM topics.
Read More
MC Machinery Displays EDM, Precision Milling, 3D Printing
IMTS 2024: MC Machinery Systems showcases an array of EDM and precision milling tools, as well as a wire laser metal 3D printer.
Read More
MC Machinery EDM Offerings Provide Optimized Performance
MC Machinery’s Mitsubishi SG12 and MV2400 EDMs provide ergonomic and efficient operations.
Read MoreRead Next
Machine Shop MBA
Making Chips and ¸ßÅâÂÊÁùºÏ²Ê are teaming up for a new podcast series called Machine Shop MBA—designed to help manufacturers measure their success against the industry’s best. Through the lens of the Top Shops benchmarking program, the series explores the KPIs that set high-performing shops apart, from machine utilization and first-pass yield to employee engagement and revenue per employee.
Read More
AMRs Are Moving Into Manufacturing: 4 Considerations for Implementation
AMRs can provide a flexible, easy-to-use automation platform so long as manufacturers choose a suitable task and prepare their facilities.
Read More