{"id":571,"date":"2021-08-14T09:18:49","date_gmt":"2021-08-14T13:18:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/epic\/?page_id=571"},"modified":"2025-09-18T18:15:38","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T22:15:38","slug":"edm","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/epic\/equipment\/edm\/","title":{"rendered":"Wire EDM"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nWire EDM is commonly used when making extrusion dies and punches.<\/span><\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h4>\n

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What is a Wire EDM?<\/h5>

\nWire electrical discharge machining a metallic wire to cut a “kerf” through a conductive part.\u00a0 It works by creating a voltage differential between the wire and the part which causes a spark to jump the gap and vaporize the material around the wire.\u00a0 It is a relatively slow process but can create very small very accurate cuts.
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What materials can be cut with the Wire EDM?<\/h5>

\nOnly conductive materials (i.e., metals)
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What is the maximum build volume?<\/h5>

\n28″x24″x9.8<\/span>
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What are the limitations of the Wire EDM?<\/h5>

\nVery slow to cut the parts.<\/p>\n

Cuts all the way through the material (no pockets).
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What tolerance should I use?<\/h5>

\n0.00001″<\/span>
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How can I get started using the Wire EDM?<\/h5>

\nYou should have a CAD file or sketch of your part.\u00a0 This machine requires specialized training so EPIC staff will help you program the wire EDM and will run the parts for you.
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