High-Precision, Tight Tolerance
Wire EDM Machining
Struggling with complex part designs and tight tolerances? We deliver the precision and accuracy you need with advanced wire EDM machining.
High-Precision, Tight Tolerance
When you need complex, tight-tolerance, machined parts – on time, on spec, with zero compromises – you can depend on Centex Machining by Fathom.
We use wire EDM machining to ensure we can create your complex geometries with the precision you expect. Customers rely on us for quick-turn projects that require strict control over quality and cost.
Wire EDM machining enables us to:
- Cut tough materials like titanium, tungsten, and Inconel
- Create intricate internal features beyond conventional methods
- Produce precise small-diameter holes and slots
- Build durable tooling and fixtures across industries
We aren’t just about technical expertise. Our customers love our highly responsive, customer-focused team who go the extra mile to ensure that their needs are met.
Got a Question?
Let’s Talk!
When you need complex, tight-tolerance, machined parts – on time, on spec, with zero compromises – you can depend on Centex Machining by Fathom.
We use wire EDM machining to ensure we can create your complex geometries with the precision you expect. Customers rely on us for quick-turn projects that require strict control over quality and cost.
Wire EDM machining enables us to:
- Cut tough materials like titanium, tungsten, and Inconel
- Create intricate internal features beyond conventional methods
- Produce precise small-diameter holes and slots
- Build durable tooling and fixtures across industries
We aren’t just about technical expertise. Our customers love our highly responsive, customer-focused team who go the extra mile to ensure that their needs are met.
Got a Question?
Let’s Talk!
How Does Wire EDM Machining Work?
Wire electrical discharge machining cuts a conductive metal with a thin electrode wire that follows a CNC-controlled path. The wire carries a high-voltage charge. The resulting spark melts the material adjacent to the wire, resulting in a very precise cut. A dielectric liquid, such as deionized water, cools the metal and flushes away melted metal particles. That also helps to minimize heat-affected areas.
Metal can be rough cut using wire EDM to a tolerance of .002 in. With trim passes, tolerance can be increased to .0002 in.
What Materials Can Be Processed Using Wire EDM Machining?
Wire EDM can be used with any conductive metal, including:
- Copper
- Carbide
- Tungsten
- Bronze
- Carbon steel
- Inconel
- Stainless steel
- Hastelloy
- Kovar
- Titanium
- Carbon graphite
- High alloy steel
Advantages
Minimal Post-Processing Required // Wire EDM machining makes precise and accurate cuts, reducing the need for finishing and secondary processes. This makes it a very cost-effective cutting method.
Perfect for Parts With Complex Geometries // Fathom’s wire EDM service is ideal for creating complex designs that may be challenging to fabricate using other cutting techniques or CNC machining. It can also cut sharp corners with minimal radii.
Excellent Edge-Cut Quality // Wire EDM provides a clean vertical cut compared to water jet cutting, which tends to become less accurate toward the bottom of the cut, as the water jet begins to dissipate.
Wide Variety of Materials // Our wire EDM service can cut both tough and brittle metals without damaging them.
Efficient // Metal plates can be stacked to cut multiple workpieces in a single pass.
Disadvantages
Material Limitations // Wire EDM can only be used with metals that conduct electricity.
Not As Fast As Other Cutting Methods // Wire EDM machining cuts relatively slowly compared to water jet and microjet cutting.
Minimal Heat-Affected Zones // A narrow oxide or recast layer can develop along the cut. This can be reduced using trim passes. However, precise applications like aerospace may require electropolishing or passivation to remove it.
Experience Required // Wire EDM requires significant operator expertise and experience to do it well. Our staff has decades of experience in producing parts using wire EDM.
How Does Wire EDM Cutting Compare
to Other Cutting Methods?
| Material Thickness | Tolerance | Kerf | Part Volume | Set Up Cost | Lead Time ** | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WIRE EDM | 0.001″ – 15.0″ | 0.0001″ | 0.005″ | 1-High Volume | Low | 6-8 days | Conductive Metals |
| FIBER LASER | AL: 0.250″ SS: 0.375″ CRS: 0.500″ COP: 0.250″ Brass: 0.125″ | 0.002″ – 0.005″ | .008″ | 1 to High-Volume | Low | 6-8 days | Metals – Fast |
| OMAX WATERJET | Up to 6″ | 0.005″- 0.015″ | .020″/.040″ | 1 to 5000 | Low | 6-8 days | Metal, glass, plastic, stone, rubber, kevlar, carbon fiber, ceramics, etc. Taper up to 59 ° |
| MICROCUT™ | .0005″ – 0.5″ | 0.0005″ -0.005″ | 0.009″, 0.011″, 0.0196″ | 1 to 5000 | Low | 6-8 days | Metal, glass, plastic, stone, rubber, kevlar, laminates, carbon fiber, ceramics, etc. |
| * CHEMICAL ETCHING | 0.005″ – 0.060″ | Is +/- 10% of material thickness, .002″ min. | Equal to metal thickness | 1- Infinity | $350 Min. | 6-8 days | Metal Only. No Burrs. Beveled Edges. Half Etch and Holes. |
* Inner radius should be 100% of material thickness. Outer Radius should be 75% of material thickness.
**Dependent on geometry, volume and material: EXPEDITE options available.
Our Wire EDM Machining Capabilities
Centex Machining by Fathom has built some of the most complex machined and assembled products in the business – experience that sets us apart from the competition.
Wire EDM machining with 4- and 5-axis capability enables us to achieve intricate cuts and tapers with unparalleled accuracy. Our sinker EDM machines enable us to make high speed, small-diameter holes and to create blind holes and cavities in even hard-to-machine materials.
Got a complex project? Put us to the test! Call us today!
Our Wire EDM Machining Capabilities
Centex Machining by Fathom has built some of the most complex machined and assembled products in the business – experience that sets us apart from the competition.
Wire EDM machining with 4- and 5-axis capability enables us to achieve intricate cuts and tapers with unparalleled accuracy. Our sinker EDM machines enable us to make high speed, small-diameter holes and to create blind holes and cavities in even hard-to-machine materials.
Got a complex project? Put us to the test! Call us today!
Additional EDM Services Offered by Fathom
Sinker EDM // This type of EDM – also referred to as die sinking – is designed to create blind pockets, where a hole doesn’t go all the way through the material. The electrode is formed in the desired shape of the cavity to be created in the metal. The electrode is slowly lowered (or sunk) into the workpiece, eroding material until the cavity is created. Sinker EDM is used to create complex shapes, such as those needed for making molds, dies and other types of tooling.
Hole Popper EDM // A rotating tubular-shaped electrode is used to cut deep, small-diameter holes through the entire thickness of a conductive metal. It functions like a drill bit, except that an electrical spark is used to quickly and accurately cut these holes in the workpiece. This type of machine is sometimes used to create a starter hole for wire EDM to use to begin a cut.
Why Our Customers Choose Us
We’ve built a reputation for excellence in wire EDM and sinker EDM machining. Our experienced engineers and production people can help you optimize your parts for manufacturability and ensure that your parts can be made cost-effectively.
When you need:
- Advanced engineering and production expertise
- Precise machining
- Rigorous quality control
- In-house finishing and assembly
- Responsive customer service
Let us help you with your wire EDM machining needs.
Accelerate Your Project with Wire EDM Cutting by Fathom
Our Tempe location is one of the premier shops for wire EDM services in the U.S. and has been producing parts using this technology for over 20 years.
Additional Resources
