Micro-EDM - recent developments and research issues

Due to the high precision and good surface quality that it can give, EDM is potentially an important process for the fabrication of micro-tools, micro-components and parts with micro-features. However, a number of issues remain to be solved before micro-EDM can become a reliable process with repeatable results and its full capabilities as a micro-manufacturing technology can be realised. This paper presents some recent developments in micro-EDM in its various forms (wire, drilling, milling and die-sinking) and discusses the main research issues. The paper focuses on the planning of the EDM process and the electrode wear problem. Special attention is paid to factors and procedures influencing the accuracy achievable, including positioning approaches during EDM and electrode grinding