Fathom’s EDM machine shops use the latest in wire EDM technology to deliver high-quality parts to its customers. Whether time-sensitive, highly complex, high-precision, or short production run related, Fathom will meet the requirements of your project.
From aerospace to the defense department, organizations and businesses around the world require precision manufacturing to complete tasks. Without precision manufacturing, operations and processes come to a grinding halt. This problem affects the productivity of businesses and organizations, as well as their bottom lines. Yet, relying on just any precision machine shop to provide the needed parts or prototypes can lead to a new series of problems. A customer may require a large quantity at a given time or have to change the specs of the order.
A customer should be sure that the machine shop they choose is able to handle the number of challenges that may arise during the machining process, and have the resources, communication, and quality control necessary to handle those challenges. If the precision machine shop can’t handle these issues, then the customer can waste valuable time and resources. Here are 6 factors to use when looking for a quality precision machine shop:
Any machine shop can claim they make everything under the sun for every industry imaginable. Yet those that are proud of the quality of their work and strive to please their customers will allow a business owner to see the types of prototypes and parts that are manufactured in their shop. When a customer can look at examples of previous work, it gives them a visual representation of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that is given to every piece, even when working with large runs of 2-dimensional parts during tight deadlines. The machine shop that is chosen should be able to provide these samples on demand as well as confidently talk about the industries they specialize in.
Working with a machine shop that is knowledgeable and has experience about the items needed in a specific industry gives greater peace of mind that they can handle any task thrown their way. They have already demonstrated and honed their skills working with a wide variety of materials commonly used in the specific industry. So, the machine shop should create the precise cuts required that fit into the customer’s specifications.
Communicating specifications for parts and prototypes to the precision machine shop should always go beyond the initial order contact. Changes to the project can happen at any time. If the machine shop misses the call, the customer will have their doubts about working with the shop ever again and will share their dissatisfaction with their own clients that may prevent the machine shop from obtaining additional orders. A quality machine shop should focus on four specific aspects of customer communication:
While a customer should look for a machine shop that is knowledgeable about crafting parts for certain industries, they should also focus on how flexible the machine shop can be for specific jobs. The customer doesn’t want to jump from one machine shop to another due to in-house limitations concerning the types of materials a machinist can work with or the types of equipment that are available for order runs. The machine shop should have the equipment, skilled machinist and experience to get the job done in the fastest time possible without compromising on quality. They should also be flexible in their abilities as they can offer different size runs from small prototype machining projects to large scale productions while working with a wide range of materials.
Quality is the number one concern for customers no matter what type of parts they order. They want to ensure that the precision machine shop has created the control measures to eliminate production errors at every step of the process. Yet if a machine shop is hazy about what quality control standards are used and can’t place any of their assurances in writing, customers should seek out someone else. A professional precision machine shop will be more than willing to talk about quality certifications such as AS9100 and IS0 9001 standards. They will have detailed information in writing about the equipment used to detect specification accuracy, such as coordinate measuring machines, and what their control standards are when their rejection rate begins to rise. The machine shop should be forward about their failure rate and their objectives in reducing this rate, so it meets suitable levels.
A quality precision machine shop is only as good as the equipment and technicians on staff. Customers should research about the types of equipment and software that are currently used to make the parts and prototypes desired, then ask the precision shop what equipment is available on the shop floor. Find out if different equipment is used during the production run, such as Wire EDM, CNC Machining and Manual Machining. This information is vital as there will be places in the process where a more hands-on approach is required for tooling prototypes. Also, the machine shop should be well versed in different software capabilities where they can make modifications to the model design upon request.
Yet it is not enough to have the equipment and software on hand and nobody capable to use it. Technicians should have a level of certification to use the software and equipment efficiently. Their knowledge of every piece of equipment they will use during production, as well as how they use quality measuring equipment, should be at a proficient level so that they do not hamper the customer’s bottom line.
After checking out the machine shop capabilities, customers should speak with other people who have ordered products from the machine shop. Find out what reviews these previous customers gave on review sites. Ask if the machine shop can provide company names so a potential customer can speak directly to the previous customer. Questions to ask may include the following:
Speaking directly to previous customers can provide further insights about a particular machine shop. They can offer their opinions on the processes the machine shop implements to please customers, and whether these processes align with the customer’s standards of quality and efficiency.
Using Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform, you can receive a quote in as little as 1 hour, usually within 24 hours. Whether you need a quote for a wire EDM job or would like to learn about another manufacturing service, Fathom is ready to help. Fathom’s wire EDM lead times are as follows:
Fathom utilizes its single-source global network to support both low- and high- volume projects. Fathom can produce high-quality parts for its customers by leveraging both additive and advanced technologies. Contact Fathom today to get started on your wire EDM job.
Fathom offers 28 manufacturing services, including wire EDM
Fathom’s global network includes over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches and additive systems. Fathom has 31 machines dedicated to EDM manufacturing; 16 are used for wire EDM, 12 for sinker EDM, and 3 for drill EDM. It is our network of state-of-the-art equipment that allows us to offer our customers a rapid turnaround.
Fathom’s manufacturing capabilities include hybridized services in addition to wire EDM. Does your highly complex project require wire EDM? Fathom can deliver. A recent case study illustrates how Fathom manufactured 20,000 parts in 27 days using 55+ tools, including water jet cutting services.:
A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.
55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts
First Article in 2 Weeks
3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts
2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts
3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.
DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.
CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.
Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.
24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.
Injection + Compression Molding.
Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.
Advanced Project Management.
Fathom has 5 US-based locations that offer wire EDM, offering nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include injection molding, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, and more. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading U.S. companies and are ready to provide you with a quote today.
Wire EDM locations include:
ARIZONA
444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
ISO 9001:2015
NIST 800-171 Compliant
ITAR
ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
1401 Brummel Ave
Elk Grove, IL 60007
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified
TEXAS
1513 Sam Bass Rd
Round Rock, TX 78681
ISO 9001:2015
ISO 13485:2016
Wire EDM is an efficient manufacturing process even for the hardest raw materials. Higher cutting accuracies and tighter tolerances can be achieved during wire EDM by lowering the power and speed used. Reduced power and flushing pressure results in +/- 0.0005” tolerance.
| Material Thickness | Tolerance | Kerf | Part Volume | Set Up Cost | Lead Time ** | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 15.750 inches thick | 0.0005" | 0.006" | 1-200 Is Best | Low | 6-8 days | Conductive Metals, Carbon |
Wire EDM should be used with any conductive metal such as titanium, aluminum, brass, alloys, and superalloys. Thanks to wire EDM’s accuracy, wire EDM has become a popular manufacturing method for various industries. Whether for part or prototype, Fathom has many materials suitable for wire EDM, including:
Wire EDM can be used to produce parts with a smooth, mirror-like finish. Some finishing may still be required to customize a part. Common finishing processes used on wire EDM parts include:
Powder coating, liquid coating, or e-coating may all be used during the painting process. During powder coating, the powder is electrostatically charged, leaving a scratch-resistant and even coat on the metal part. Liquid coating uses wet paint to coat a surface. E-coating is the process of dipping a metal part into a bath of paint where the part and paint are electrified, causing the paint to adhere to the part. Painting adds color, varnish, or ink to a part.
The transfer process uses a heated press to apply a design to a part. Transferring can also be used to add a design that will later be engraved on the part. Transfers are used to add a label or design to a part.
During the assembly, the smaller parts are joined together using fasteners or bonding procedures that may or may not be permanent. Assembly is used to make a larger piece from smaller units.
Drilling involves a drill press, tapping, or milling machine. Different types of drills may be used, such as spotting or peck drills, depending on the hole that must be made. Drilling adds a round hole to a part.
Types of deburring methods include electrochemical deburring, thermal deburring, and abrasive flow deburring. Electrochemical deburring uses an anodic metal dissolution to remove unwanted material. Thermal deburring uses a combustible gas in a pressurized chamber to deburr a part. Abrasive flow deburring uses an abrasive slurry to deburr the part. Deburring removes any raised edges or unwanted material known as burrs.
A: Yes, Fathom offers wire EDM machining.
A: Wire EDM is the process of machining metal that uses a tool to discharge sparks onto metal material. The discharge melts the material, creating an accurate cut.
A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: The cost of wire EDM depends on the number of parts, raw material chosen, the complexity of design, and more. Use our SmartQuote platform to get a quote today.
A: Wire EDM stands for wire electrical discharge machining.
A: Copper, tungsten, bronze, carbon steel, stainless steel, and Inconel, are just a few examples of raw materials that may be used for wire EDM.
Do you need a wire EDM quote for an upcoming project? Use Fathom’s SmartQuote application for a fast quote on any file.
Precision manufacturing
from coast to coast.
HEADQUARTERS //
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
877-328-4668
ARIZONA
444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-966-2300
CALIFORNIA
46758 Lakeview Blvd
Fremont, CA 94538
COLORADO
7770 Washington St.
Denver, CO 80229
303-288-6855
ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
815-385-7500
1401 Brummel Ave
Elk Grove, IL 60007
847-952-8088
MINNESOTA
13758 Johnson Street NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304
763-755-7575
NEW YORK
1920 Slaterville Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-7070
401 W. Shore Blvd.
Newark, NY 14513
315-331-7680
TEXAS
1513 Sam Bass Rd.
Round Rock, TX 78660
512-255-1477
