Fathom has the latest in wire EDM technology and is ready to deliver high-quality parts. Whether your project is time-sensitive, highly complex, high precision, or short production run related, Fathom can meet the requirements of your project.
Wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is a manufacturing method used to cut 2D shapes from electrically conductive, hard materials like titanium. During WEDM, material is removed using an electrode. In the gap between the electrode and the raw material, a discharge cuts through material by vaporizing or melting. As the piece is being cut, it is submerged in a dielectric fluid which removes any unwanted material. WEDM is a highly accurate process and no pressure is placed on the workpiece during manufacturing.
WEDM is often used when conventional manufacturing methods will not work. Machining hard or delicate materials can be challenging as many processes cause stress or distortion. WEDM provides a useful alternative for electrically conductive materials as it does not cause stress on the workpiece. WEDM uses a thin wire which allows intricate shapes to be cut with ease. High tolerances are capable with wire EDM and it is considered more accurate than laser or plasma manufacturing techniques. As no stress is caused to the material, there is no need for secondary finishing, resulting in a faster turnaround.
Whether you are ready to start your wire EDM project or get information on a different manufacturing method, Fathom is ready to help. Get a fast quote in as little as 1 hour, usually within 24 hours, using Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform. Fathom’s wire EDM lead times are as follows:
Fathom’s manufacturing network is a single-source resource ready to support your low- to high- volume projects. Leveraging both additive and advanced technologies in addition to wire EDM, Fathom can deliver high-quality parts to its customers.
In addition to wire EDM, Fathom also offers 28 manufacturing processes.
Fathom’s global network is powered by over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches and additive systems. Thirty-one machines facilitate Fathom’s EDM services including16 for wire EDM, 12 for sinker EDM, and 3 for drill EDM. Customers receive a rapid turnaround thanks to the capabilities of Fathom’s network of state-of-the-art equipment.
Fathom’s hybridized services leverage wire EDM and other manufacturing methods. Do you need wire EDM as part of a more complex project? 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
FLORIDA
14000 N.W. 58th Court
Miami Lakes, FL 33014
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified
ISO 13485:2016
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
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:
To customize a WEDM part, finishing processes may be needed. Finishing services offered by Fathom include:
Add color, varnish, or ink to a part using the painting process. Painting methods include 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 applies wet paint to the surface of a workpiece. 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.
To add a design or label to a part, transferring is used. During transfer, a heated press transfers the design. The design may later be engraved onto the workpiece.
When a final product must be constructed from smaller parts, assembly is required. During assembly, the part is permanently or temporarily bonded with other parts. Fasteners or bonding procedures may be used to fuse the parts together.
When a round hole must be added, drilling is used. Depending on the type of mark that must be made, different types of drills may be used such as spotting, peck, drill presses, tapping, or milling machines.
To remove unwanted raised edges or material from a part, deburring is used. Excess material is 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.
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: WEDM is a machining process in which electricity is used to cut material. A dielectric fluid is used and an electronic potential is applied. A spark strikes the raw material, which melts or vaporizes the part. Any excess material is removed by the movement of the fluid. WEDM is a no impact manufacturing method.
A: Many industries rely on WEDM to produce parts. These industries include aerospace, defense, automotive, electronics and more.
A: EDM in manufacturing is the process of producing parts through electrical discharge machining.
Need a quote on a wire EDM job? Would you like to calculate costs on an upcoming project? Fathom’s SmartQuote application provides fast quotes for any file.
