Fast wire EDM

fast edm machining

Looking to efficiently achieve high-precision part machining? Choose our Fast Wire EDM! With advanced equipment and specialized expertise, we can process complex shapes while ensuring precision and surface finish. Enjoy short lead times and cost-effective solutions. Ideal for molds, precision components, and more—contact us today for a customized plan!

 

What is fast wire ?

Fast wire machining, also known as fast wire electrical discharge machining (Fast Wire EDM), is a non – traditional machining process. It utilizes a thin, continuously moving wire electrode to erode material from the workpiece through electrical discharges. This method is highly effective for cutting complex shapes and intricate contours in conductive materials, such as metals. It offers advantages like high precision, the ability to machine hard materials, and minimal mechanical stress on the workpiece, making it a popular choice in industries like mold – making, aerospace, and automotive for producing precise components.

 

fast edm machining view

Material for fast wire machining

Core Principle: High temperatures are generated through pulsed discharges between the electrode wire and the workpiece, melting or vaporizing the material to achieve cutting. Hardness and brittleness do not affect machinability, but may impact cutting speed and surface finish.

Fast wire machining is suitable for all conductive materials, including but not limited to the following types:

Metal material :

custom aluminum cnc milling parts

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most commonly used precision-machined component. It has a low density, a hard texture, and a soft material. Thanks to its corrosion resistance, it is widely used in aerospace, bionic bones, and automotive parts manufacturing.

Color : Silver.

Types : Aluminum 6061、7075、2024、5052、6063 and MIC-6.

Surface finish : Polishing, Brushing, Sandblasting, Chrome Plating, Anodizing, Electroplating, Powder Coating, Laser Etching.

Delivery time : 1-5 days.

cnc stainless steel machining part

Stainless steel

Stainless steel offers strong corrosion resistance and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. It is primarily used in kitchen equipment components, medical devices, building materials and construction, as well as automotive parts.

Color : Silver.

Types : Stainless steel 304/316/201/202/430/444/410/420/440c/2205/2507/17-4ph/17-7ph.

Surface finish : Polishing, Brushing, Sandblasting, Electroplating, Spraying, PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), Passivation, Pickling, Coloring.

Delivery time : 2-5 days.

copper material cnc machining part

Copper

Possesses electrical conductivity, tensile ductility, and antimicrobial properties, primarily used for processing into crafts, decorative items, and medical equipment.

Color  :Orange,yellow.

Types : copper H59/H62/Hpb59-1/C36000/HAI77-2/HSN62-1/HPb/HMn/HAl/HSn/HNi.

Surface finish : Passivation, Electroplating, Chemical Plating, Shot Peening, Sandblasting, Chemical Film Treatment, Polishing, Bright Cleaning.

Delivery time : 1-5 days.

bronze cnc machining part

Bronze

Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin (possibly including lead, zinc, and phosphorus),low melting point (800-900°C) and excellent fluidity, along with corrosion resistance. Low-tin bronze exhibits a golden yellow hue, while high-tin bronze appears grayish-white or silver-gray. It is primarily used in mechanical manufacturing for sculptures, bearings, gears, valves, as well as in marine engineering components such as propellers, as well as marine engineering components like hull fittings and water pumps.

Color : gold/brown.

Types : Tin bronze, aluminum bronze, beryllium bronze, silicon bronze, manganese bronze.

Surface finish : Sandblasting, polishing, knurling, grinding, passivation, chemical film coating, impregnation coloring, brush/spray coloring, electroplating, anodizing, powder coating, brushing.

Delivery time : 1-5 days.

金属零件,光滑表面,圆形

Steel

Iron alloyed with carbon (typically 0.1%-1.7%) and other alloying elements (such as chromium, nickel, manganese, etc.). By adjusting composition and heat treatment processes, diverse properties can be achieved, including high strength, high toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. It is suitable for producing components such as bolts, shafts, gears, drill bits, milling cutters, and turning tools, and is also frequently used in manufacturing engine valves and turbine blades.

Color : Silver .

Types : Steel S20C,S45C,S50C,SK85,SK95,40Cr,4140,4130,H13,D2,W1,A2,D2,M2,SKD11,ASP-23,S136.

Surface finish :Sandblasting, Mirror Finish, PVD Coating, Brushed Finish, Spray Coating, Electroplating.

Delivery time : 1-5 days

magnesium cnc machining part

Magnesium

Magnesium has a density approximately two-thirds that of aluminum and one-quarter that of steel. Its low hardness results in minimal cutting force and reduced tool wear. With superior thermal conductivity compared to aluminum, it saves CNC machining time and material. Its strength-to-weight ratio outperforms both aluminum alloys and steel, while its damping capacity is 1.5 times that of aluminum, effectively absorbing vibrations and noise. These properties make it an ideal material for aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries.

Color : Silver.

Types : Magnesium alloy AZ91D/AM60B/AM50A/AS41B/ZK60/MB8/AZ31/WE43/ZE41/LA141/LZ91.

Surface finish : Chemical conversion coating, anodizing, nickel plating, electroplating, composite coating, spray painting, powder coating, electrophoretic coating.

Delivery time : 1-5 days.

Surface finish for fast wire machining part

The surface roughness of high-speed wire EDM typically ranges between Ra 1.6 μm and 3.2 μm, depending on the material, machining parameters, and electrode wire type. Hard metals yield smoother surfaces, while soft metals may exhibit slight texturing. Advanced techniques such as multi-pass cutting can reduce roughness to Ra 0.8 μm or better. Surface finish is often required for ultra-precision applications. Below are the finishing processes we commonly employ.

as machined finish

Machined finish

The prototype processed by the machine tool retains traces of tool machining.

anodizing finish

Anodizing

Anodizing enhances the corrosion and wear resistance of metals and enables coloring and coating, suitable for metals such as aluminum, magnesium, and titanium.

polishing finish

Polish

Polishing enhances surface finish and aesthetic appeal, suitable for materials such as metals, ceramics, plastics, and PMMA.

 

Sand Blasting finish

Sand blasting

Sandblasting involves propelling abrasive material at high pressure or mechanically onto a workpiece to achieve a clean, roughened, and matte finish.

 

 

brushed finish

Brushed finish

Brushed finish creates a textured pattern on metal surfaces, enhancing aesthetic appeal. Suitable for aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and other materials.

powder coating finish

Powder coating

Powder coating is applied to the workpiece surface via electrostatic adhesion, then cured at high temperatures to form a dense coating, enhancing the corrosion resistance of metal and plastic surfaces.

electropolish finish

Electroplating finish

Metal plating is deposited onto material surfaces through electrolytic processes to enhance corrosion resistance and wear resistance. This technique is suitable for metals and certain plastics.

black oxidize finish

Black oxidize

A black oxide coating is formed on metal surfaces through chemical oxidation, offering low cost, a simple process, and reduced light reflection.

electropolish finish

Electropolish

Removes microscopic protrusions from metal surfaces through electrochemical anodic dissolution, creating a smooth, dense surface free of residual stress and highly corrosion-resistant. Capable of processing complex metals and conductive materials.

Alodine finish

Alodine

Forms a protective coating on surfaces through chemical conversion, enhancing corrosion resistance and adhesion. Environmentally friendly with excellent conductivity, suitable for aluminum and magnesium alloys.

heat treatment finish

Heat treatment

By altering the internal microstructure of metallic materials through heating, this process enhances hardness, strength, toughness, and wear resistance. It is suitable for metals such as steel, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, and titanium alloys.

Fast wire edm machining capability

Guide of fast wire EDM machining

Electrode Wire Selection

Parameter Specification
Tolerance Range ±0.01 ~ ±0.02 mm
Repeat Positioning Accuracy ≤ 0.005 mm
Single Cut Surface Finish Ra 2.5 ~ 3.2 μm
Multiple Cuts Surface Finish Ra 1.6 ~ 0.8 μm
Process Optimization Emulsion (concentration 8~10%) + 0.18 mm molybdenum wire, can reduce Ra value by 30%
Conventional Material Cutting Rate 120 ~ 180 mm²/min
High Hardness Material Cutting Rate 80 ~ 100 mm²/min
Maximum Efficiency 200 mm²/min
Minimum Corner Radius R 0.05 mm
Maximum Taper ±3°/100 mm
Minimum Slot Width 0.23 mm
Processing Type Wire Diameter (mm) Tension (N) Wire Feed Speed (m/s)
Rough Processing (Efficiency Priority) 0.25 10–15 10–12
Precision Processing (Accuracy Priority) 0.18 8–10 6–8

Causes of Wire Breakage and Countermeasures

Fault Phenomenon Possible Cause Solution
Sudden wire breakage during machining Excessive molybdenum wire tension (>15N) Adjust tension to 8-12N, replace with new wire (replace every 8 hours)
Wire breakage during direction change Guide wheel bearing wear Replace guide wheel assembly (recommended replacement every 3 months)
Wire breakage in thick workpiece area Insufficient working fluid concentration (<8%) Replenish emulsion to 10% concentration, clean filter screen

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Cycle Item Standard Requirement
Weekly X/Y-axis ball screw lubrication Apply lithium grease, manually lubricate throughout the stroke
Monthly Guide Wheel Runout Detection(you can use "runout" in this context) detection Radial runout ≤ 0.003mm, replace bearing if exceeding tolerance
Quarterly Working fluid replacement Completely drain old fluid, clean inner wall of tank

FAQ of fast wire EDM machining

What is fast wire cutting (fast WEDM), and how does it work?
Fast Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (Fast WEDM) uses a rapidly moving thin wire as an electrode to cut conductive materials through controlled electrical sparks. The wire erodes material without direct contact, enabling precise cutting of complex shapes.
What materials can be processed using fast wire cutting?
Suitable for conductive materials including steel, aluminum alloys, copper, tungsten carbide, and other electrically conductive metals. Non-conductive materials cannot be processed.
What are the advantages of fast wire cutting compared to conventional machining?
Advantages include high precision (±0.01~±0.02mm), ability to cut complex shapes, no mechanical stress, and cost-effectiveness for low-volume/custom parts.
What factors affect cutting speed and surface quality?
Key factors: wire tension/feed speed, pulse parameters (energy/duration), workpiece material/thickness, and dielectric fluid condition.
How often should maintenance be performed on fast wire cutting machines?
Daily: Clean tanks, check wire tension. Weekly: Lubricate screws. Monthly: Check guide wheel runout. Quarterly: Replace dielectric fluid.