Sinker EDM refers to a machine or machining process used to create blind pockets or features that are difficult or impossible to machine conventionally. An electrode is created to the shape of the feature that is required and utilized to “burn” the detail into the workpiece. Examples include injection mold cavities or blind pockets with square corners.

Sinker/wire EDM is used for many applications. Materials that are difficult to machine conventionally such as Inconel, MP35N, carbide, molybdenum, tungsten, etc. can be effectively and efficiently processed utilizing EDM. Features requiring near sharp inside corner radii can be easily achieved with EDM. Wire EDM can achieve less than .006” inside corner radius, and less than .002” R in some applications. Die Technology utilizes wire EDM to manufacture highly complex assemblies such as stamping dies, high precision tooling and fixtures, and components with ultra-accurate requirements.

Wire or sinker EDM can be very precise. Features that have critical true position and feature size requirements are easily attained with wire EDM. Die Technology employs ultra-high accuracy equipment that is proven to hold feature accuracy of one micron and true position accuracy of less than three microns deviation to programmed location. Surface finishes finer than 0.08 Ra have been documented.