Sinker EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) and Wire EDM are both machining processes that use electrical discharges to remove material from a workpiece. However, they differ in the way they remove material.
Sinker EDM
Sinker EDM uses a specially shaped electrode, typically made from graphite or copper. The electrode is lowered into the workpiece, electrical current is applied to the electrode and then discharges a series of electrical sparks. The sparks erode the material and create the desired shape.
Sinker EDM can be used to create blind cavities and other features that do not go completely through the material. The electrode is designed to create the desired cavity or feature, and the electrical discharge can be controlled to erode only the material in the desired location.
However, it is also possible to cut completely through the material using sinker EDM if necessary. This can be useful for creating through-holes.
Wire EDM
Wire EDM, on the other hand, uses a thin, electrically charged wire to cut through the workpiece. The wire is guided by computer-controlled motors that move it along the desired cutting path. As the wire cuts through the workpiece, it generates a spark that erodes the material.
In both sinker and wire EDM, the electrode does not physically touch the workpiece material being machined. Instead, an electrical discharge is used to erode the material. This allows for very precise and intricate cuts to be made.
In general, sinker EDM is better suited for making complex shapes in hard materials, while wire EDM is better suited for making straight cuts through thinner materials. Sinker EDM can create very small and intricate shapes with high precision, but it can be slower than wire EDM. Wire EDM, on the other hand, is faster and can be used to cut a wider range of materials.
In summary, both sinker and wire EDM are valuable tools in the manufacturing industry, and the choice between them depends on factors such as the desired shape and material of the workpiece, the required precision and tolerances, and the production volume and cost considerations.