Electric discharge machining of pediatric heart pump

Jarvik Heart, Inc., New York, US installed a GF AgieCharmilles wire electric discharge machining (EDM) unit for manufacturing components for its pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD). Jarvik Heart selected the AC Classic V2 from GF AgieCharmilles to install at its facility. The machine featured the IPG-V generator that increased the shape factor of pulses, while shortening pulse duration and allowing it to obtain high accuracy and surface finish. These areas were also enhanced by the machine's specific toroids that activated during taper cutting that increased the wire tensile force. The machine helped the company to develop better designed VAD to be used in children and infants suffering from congenital heart defects. The EDM process involved submerging two conductive materials in an insulating liquid and connecting them to a current source that was switched on and off.