Fast milling demands precision

Milling electrodes for the sinker, or plunge, method of electrical-discharge machining (EDM) requires toolmakers to meet several stringent requirements. Aside from needing the highest speed spindles for the fastest possible cutting rates, the process must utilize computer numerical control (CNC) software controls with adequate `look-ahead' capabilities to ensure quality cutting of graphite electrodes sculptured 3D shapes. With few real technical breakthroughs on the horizon either via increases in cutting speeds or EDM metal removal rates, incremental productivity improvements can be achieved by trimming the amount of time needed to machine electrodes.