Posted By: Andy Kamashian | Posted On: January 9, 2019
The EDM in hole drilling stands for ‘Electrical Discharge Machining’. Electrical Discharge Machining Hole Drilling is a unique and quick way to produce semi accurate holes in conductive materials regardless of their hardness at relatively high speeds. Using a rapidly generated ON/OFF Generator to produce sparks the machine controls the gap distance between the electrode as it is held in a rotating spindle, from the material being eroded. As in all EDM processes, Hole Drilling (or sometimes referred to as "Hole Poppers") use electricity to vaporize material, through a rapidly produced sparking processes it reduces particles of hardened conductive materials to mere dust and much like other EDM processes, it utilizes a flushing liquid or ‘dielectric’ in order to wash these eroded particles away from the cut and depositing the flushing liquid to the bottom of the hole being drilled requires a drilling electrode with a through-hole capability or best described as a ‘Tube’. The dielectric used is commonly deionized water (to control the erosion process) or other combinations of chemicals such as Vytol.
The EDM drilling tubes are typically a low cost material yet highly conductive such as brass or copper and copper alloy. These drilling tubes or "electrodes" are easily worn during the EDM process and must be frequently replaced. The hole produced can be roughly 200-250 times smaller than the effective drilling depth so the process is extremely effective for long deep small holes. Typical hole diameters range from 0.010” up to 3/16”. There are also applications and systems available for 5-Axis machining that would produce holes at varying angles depending on application.
Common Uses for this process include Broken Tap/Drill/Reamer Extraction, Wire EDM Hole Starting and Cooling Holes in Aerospace Engine Components among many other more specific application.
Common industries for this technology include Aerospace, Energy, General Machine Shop, Tool & Die, Cutting Tools, Moldmaking/Repair and the Medical Field.
Click HERE to Read more in depth about Hole Drilling EDM Machinery from Carl Sommer of Reliable EDM
If you need information on Small Hole EDM Machining or any other EDM or Machining Process, the experts at Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales, Inc. can assist you. Call us today at 813-444-4555 or contact us HERE
