Wire EDM Shop Finishing Processes / /
Even though wire EDM can produce a smooth or mirror-like finish, some finishing may be needed to customize a part. Common finishing processes used for wire EDM parts include:
Painting
Painting is used to add color, varnish, or ink to a part. The painting process may include powder coating, liquid coating, or e-coating. A part is powder coated by using an electrostatically charged powder, which leaves a scratch-resistant and uniform coat on the metal part. Liquid coating applies wet paint to the surface of a part. During e-coating, the part is dipped into a bath of paint where it and the paint are electrified, resulting in the paint adhering to the part.
Transfers
When a part needs a label or design, transferring may be used. To transfer a design, pressure is applied to the part using a heated press. Transferring can also be used to print a design that will later be engraved onto the part.
Assembly
Sometimes parts are produced as smaller pieces that must then be assembled to form a larger part. During assembly, the part is bonded to other pieces using fasteners or bonding procedures that may be permanent or temporary.
Drilling
When a round hole must be added to a part, drilling is used. To create the hole, a drill press, tapping, or milling machine may be used. Other types of drills that may be used include spotting or peck drills.
Deburring
Unwanted material known as burrs or unwanted raised edges can be removed through deburring. Electrochemical deburring, thermal deburring, or abrasive flow deburring may be used. 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 deburring uses an abrasive slurry to deburr the part.