Small Hole EDM Drilling Services for Hard-to-Machine Materials

Precision Starts Here — Micro Hole Drilling Without Compromise.

Precision Small Hole EDM for Micro Features & Challenging Materials

Small hole EDM is a specialized electrical discharge machining process used to drill extremely small, precise holes in conductive materials — especially when conventional drilling methods fall short. By using a tubular electrode and rapid spark erosion, this process creates deep, burr-free holes in hardened alloys, carbide, and other tough materials without tool pressure or distortion.

Die Technology offers precision micro hole EDM drilling services for mission-critical components in medical, aerospace, and high-tech industrial applications. Our autonomous, high-speed small hole EDM drilling machines deliver tight tolerances, repeatable results, and short lead times — even on complex multi-op projects. Whether you need initial start holes for wire EDM or high-volume micro drilling, we bring unmatched precision and deep expertise.

What Is Small Hole EDM?

Small hole EDM (also known as micro hole EDM or EDM hole drilling) is a process that uses an electrically charged brass or copper tube as an electrode. This tube rapidly pulses sparks to erode material and create holes — as small as 0.004″ in diameter — with no mechanical contact.

Unlike traditional drilling, which can struggle with hardened steel, carbide, or exotic alloys, small hole EDM effortlessly produces deep, accurate holes without introducing stress, cracks, or burrs. It’s especially useful for creating start holes for wire EDM, cooling channels in molds, or micro features in complex parts.

Think of it like “drilling with lightning” — controlled spark erosion carves out material where standard drills can’t go, allowing manufacturers to push the limits of part geometry and precision.

Die Technology’s Capabilities in Small Hole EDM Drilling

Precision That Sets Us Apart

Die Technology’s investment in high-performance, automated small hole EDM drilling machines allows us to produce features with:

  • Hole diameters ranging from Ø0.004″ to Ø0.250″
  • Diameter and depth control via electrode orbiting
  • Autonomous electrode changes for high-efficiency runs
  • Materials including hardened steel, titanium, MP35N, Inconel, carbide, tungsten, aluminum, and more

Whether for micro part production or feature access in EDM assemblies, our team delivers fast, repeatable, and reliable results with no compromise on quality.

End-to-End Solutions

We support OEMs and engineers with:

  • Thread/start hole creation for wire EDM
  • Deep hole and micro-feature drilling
  • Integration with complex EDM workflows (wire/sinker)
  • High-speed production for small hole applications
  • Collaborative design and fixture planning for complex setups

Our team understands the nuances of part geometry, metallurgy, and downstream process needs — making us a seamless extension of your manufacturing team.

Features, Benefits, and Applications

Features

  • Hole diameters from Ø0.004″ to Ø0.250″
  • Orbiting electrode for precise diameter and depth control
  • Compatible with hardened steels, tungsten, Inconel, MP35N, titanium, aluminum, carbide
  • Fast, automated electrode and guide changeovers

Benefits

  • Ideal for drilling hardened or exotic materials
  • Stress-free, burr-free holes with clean edges
  • Autonomous operation for efficient production
  • Enables other EDM processes (e.g., wire EDM start holes)

Applications

  • Start holes for wire EDM
  • Aerospace fuel injector orifices
  • Micro-cooling channels in tooling
  • Precision holes in sensors and microelectronic components
  • High-density hole arrays in advanced manufacturing

Why Choose Die Technology for Small Hole EDM Drilling?

Die Technology combines over a million hours of EDM expertise with next-generation automation and a commitment to solving your most complex manufacturing challenges. With ultra-precise equipment and a team of specialists who understand every nuance of small hole EDM machining, we leverage multiple technologies to manufacture parts that demand micron-level precision without compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is your ideal customer?

We work with large OEMs in the medical, aerospace, electronic, energy, or defense industries in the U.S. who seek smart manufacturing solutions and value specialized manufacturing capabilities, equal partnerships, and micron-level precision. We target ideal-fit partners who share our values and have the potential to become strategic, long-term customers.

What’s the smallest hole you can drill with small hole EDM?

Our small hole EDM drilling machines produce holes as small as Ø0.004″, and up to Ø0.250″, in hardened and exotic materials.

What materials can small hole machining handle?

Small hole EDM works on conductive materials including hardened steel, titanium, MP35N, Inconel, carbide, tungsten, and aluminum — even those too hard for conventional drills.

Can you drill start holes for wire EDM?

Yes. Precision micro hole drilling for wire EDM start holes is one of our most common applications, and it integrates seamlessly with our wire and sinker EDM workflows.

How fast is your high-speed small hole drilling EDM?

Our autonomous, high-speed small hole drilling EDM machines run with automated electrode changes for efficient short-run and high-volume production.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s talk about your next small hole EDM project. From single prototypes to short-run production with complex specs, we’ll partner with you to achieve micron-level precision, minimal downtime, and confident results.

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Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 4 files.
Allowed file types include: pdf, ppt, doc, xls, png, and jpg. To submit any other file types, please email them directly to sales@dietechnology.com.