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Sinker EDM Machining

  • Cost Effective Manufacturing Option
  • Production-Grade Repeatablity
  • Ideal for Complex, Small-Scale Designs
Quotes for 25+ Manufacturing Processes.
Wire EDM part example with its design on SmartQuote
Comprehensive
Wire EDM Services
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High-Quality
Complex Parts
Production-Grade
Repeatability
Cost Effective
Set Up & Production
Sinker EDM Machining

Fathom has the latest in sinker EDM technology ready to deliver high-quality parts to its customers. Whether your project is time-sensitive, highly complex, high precision, or short production run related, Fathom can meet the requirements of your project.

About Ram / Sinker EDM Machining / /

Ram / Sinker EDM machining uses a job specific electrode connected to the ram and the power source. As the head feeds into the metal to be cut, the metal erodes. The entire process takes place in a fluid bath that continuously flushes away cutting debris and cools the metal to prevent unwanted changes to its metallurgical properties. The Ram / Sinker EDM process can be used to clean and repair damaged exterior or interior walls with a .002” tolerance.

Ram / Sinker EDM Key Features / /

  • Practically Sharp .002″ Internal
  • All Conductive Materials
  • Able to repair & clean damaged interior/exterior walls

RAM / Sinker EDM Machining Services / /

Ram/Sinker EDM, sometimes called cavity type EDM or volume EDM, uses specially shaped, graphite, copper or tungsten electrodes which is submerged with the workpiece in dielectric fluids. The electrode is connected to a power source attached to a ram or head, and slowly fed into the work piece. Which then creates a spark to sink or burn a shape into the material being machined.

Our Ram/Sinker EDM machines can be used to cut a wide variety of conductive materials, including precious metals, soft & hard metals, super alloys, and conductive ceramics. By using this technique rather than more traditional methods, Ram/Sinker EDM is able to produce complex shapes using 3D modeling without introducing stress or causing the machined material to suffer from heat distortion.

Ram/Sinker EDM Specifications / /

Machine travel lengths:

RAM/SINKER EDM X Y Z
CHARMILLES FORM 20 13.8″ 9.85″ 9.85″
MITSUBISHI EA12S SINKER 15.7″ 11.8″ 11.8″

Why Choose Ram/Sinker EDM Machining / /

There are a number of reasons why Ram/Sinker EDM is the best option for certain projects.

3D Capabilities Icon

3D Capabilities
Ram/Sinker EDM is able to create 3D parts and pieces. This allows for the creation of a wider range of prototypes and models.

More Complex Icon

More Complex
Ram/Sinker EDM services are also preferred for products that feature complex geometries. The electrode never touches the materials, so there is no contact damage.

No pre-drill required

No Pre-Drilling Needed
This type of machining does not require any pre-drilled holes.

Highly accurate Icon

Highly Accurate
The parts created using this type of EDM are very accurate and intricate. Instead of cutting, the electrodes are used to slowly erode the metal until it has the desired shape.

Little Heat Damage Icon

Little Heat Damage
There is very little heat generated by Ram/Sinker EDM, leaving the final piece free of heat damage. Melted materials are removed via the dielectric fluid the metal is bathed in.

Hole damage repair icon

Hole Damage Repair
Ram/Sinker EDM has the ability to repair and clean damaged interior/exterior walls without affecting geometric position.

Sinker EDM Quote Times / /

Fathom is ready to deliver your sinker EDM quote. Whether you want to begin a sinker EDM project or get information on another manufacturing method, Fathom can help. Get a fast quote in as little as 1 hour (usually within 24 hours) using Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform. Fathom’s sinker EDM lead times are as follows:

  • Parts as fast as 6-8 days

Sinker EDM Services Offered by Fathom / /

Fathom’s single-source manufacturing network will support your low- to high- volume projects. Leveraging both additive and advanced technologies in addition to sinker EDM, Fathom can deliver high-quality parts to its customers.

Fathom also offers 28 manufacturing processes including sinker EDM.

Additive Manufacturing

  • FDM
  • SLS
  • SLA
  • Polyjet
  • MJF
  • DMLS
  • DLS
  • STEP (Evolve)

CNC Machining

  • CNC (3 & 5 Axis)
  • CNC Lathe
  • Precision Grinding
  • Wire & Sinker EDM

Injection Molding

  • Injection Molding
  • Tooling
  • Compression Molding

Metal Cutting and Forming

  • Thermoforming
  • Sheet Metal Punching
  • Sheet Metal Cutting
  • Metal Forming
  • Laser Cutting
  • Water Jet Cutting
  • Chemical Etching
  • Welding
  • Micro Cutting

Standalone

  • Die Casting
  • Urethane Casting
  • Composite Layups
  • Extrusion
  • Post Processing & Finishing
    • Pad Printing
    • Powder Coating
    • Bead Blasting
    • Surface Grinding
    • Polishing
    • Anodize
    • Powder Coat Passivate
    • Chemfilm
    • Vacuum Metallization
    • Silkscreen
    • Plating
    • Tumbled

Wire EDM Machines Used by Fathom / /

Fathom’s global manufacturing network is powered by over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches and additive systems. Fathom has 31 machines dedicated to EDM machining including 16 for wire EDM, 12 for sinker EDM, and 3 for drill EDM. Fathom’s customers receive a fast turnaround thanks to our network of state-of-the-art equipment.

Fathom also offers hybridized services that leverage sinker EDM. Does your complex project need sinker EDM services? 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.:

Case Study //

Real Customers. Real Results.

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.

20,000 Parts // Within 27 Days
55+ Tools to Injection Mold 15,000 Parts First Article in 2 Weeks
15,000

55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts

First Article in 2 Weeks

3,000+ 3D Printed Parts
3,000

3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts

2,000+ Metal Fabricated Parts
2,000

2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts

Hybridized Services Used //

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’s Locations for Sinker EDM / /

Fathom has 5 US-based locations that offer sinker 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.

Sinker 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

Sinker EDM Materials List / /

EDM should be used with any conductive metal such as titanium, aluminum, brass, alloys, and superalloys. Thanks to wire EDM’s accuracy, sinker EDM has become a popular manufacturing method for various industries. Whether for part or prototype, Fathom has many materials suitable for sinker EDM, including:

  • Copper
  • Tungsten
  • Bronze
  • Carbon steel
  • Inconel
  • Stainless steel
  • Hastalloy
  • Kovar
  • Titanium
  • Carbon graphite
  • High alloy steel

Sinker EDM Finishing Processes / /

To customize a sinker EDM part, finishing processes may be needed. Finishing services offered by Fathom include:

Painting

The painting process adds color, varnish or ink to a part using powder coating, liquid coating, or e-coating. During powder coating, an electrostatically charged powder is used, resulting in a scratch-resistant and uniform coat. Liquid coating is when wet paint is applied to a surface. E-coating is the process of dipping a metal part into a bath of paint. The part and paint are electrified, and the paint adheres to the part.

Transfers

Transferring adds a design or label to a part. During transfer, a heated press transfers the design to the workpiece. The design may later be engraved onto the part.

Assembly

When a final product must be constructed from smaller parts, assembly is required. Fasteners or bonding procedures may be used to fuse the parts together. The part may be permanently or temporarily bonded with other parts.

Drilling

The drilling process adds a round hole to a part using different types of drills. Depending on the type of mark that must be made, a spotting drill, peck drill, drill presses, tapping, or milling machine may be used.

Deburring

Unwanted raised edges or material is removed from parts during the deburring process. Excess material is also known as burrs. Deburring may be achieved using several methods, including electrochemical deburring, thermal deburring, and abrasive flow deburring. Electrochemical deburring uses an anodic metal dissolution to remove unwanted material. During thermal deburring, a combustible gas is added to a pressurized chamber to deburr a part. Abrasive flow deburring uses an abrasive slurry to deburr the part.

Sinker EDM Shops FAQs / /

Q: Does Fathom offer sinker EDM machining?

A: Yes, Fathom offers sinker EDM machining.

Q: What is sinker EDM machining?

A: Ram/Sinker EDM uses a specific electrode to cut material. During the process, the part is submerged in a fluid bath. As the electrode cuts the metal, the metal erodes, and any debris is washed away by the bath.

Q: Is Fathom ISO certified?

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.

Q: Is Fathom ITAR certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom AS9100:2016 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom NIST 800-171 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: What is the radius Ram/Sinker EDM machines can produce?

A: Practically sharp .002″ internal

Q: What is the work envelope capable by the Ram/Sinker EDM machines?

A: Machine specs have limits, contact us to discuss.

Q: What is the production size that can be handled?

A: We can handle small to large production runs.

How to Get Sinker EDM Machining Quotes / /

Looking for a sinker EDM quote or to calculate costs for an upcoming project? Fathom’s SmartQuote application provides fast quotes for any file.

Across National
Time Zones

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

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