MFG 381 - EDM Fundamentals

1. Program CNC EDM software
   1. Enter necessary data
   2. Determine surface finish
   3. Create CNC program
   4. Edit program to change dimensions
   5. Run automatic routines on electrodes and workpiece
2. Prioritize flushing requirements
   1. List methods of flushing in conventional and wire EDM
   2. Explain the importance of flushing in EDM and how it effects finish and erosion speeds
   3. Explain work-piece preparation as it pertains to flushing
   4. Determine the level of rust inhibitor necessary to keep the work- piece from rusting
   5. Determine filtering requirements of the flushing circuit and maintenance involved
   6. Describe how the flushing medium is altered to allow the conductivity parameter to be correct
   7. Identify the flushing circuit components. (pumps, filters, tanks, etc).
3. Examine function controls on a conventional EDM
   1. Locate and set secondary burn parameters
   2. Determine and read the burn efficiency graphs
   3. Fill and drain the work-tank
   4. Locate work-piece origin using machine pick-up functions
   5. Determine set-up parameters for using the orbiting function
   6. Determine electrode holding requirements as it pertains to the machine and its respective tooling
   7. Adjust flushing pressure
   8. Prepare EDM controls for erosion mode
   9. Prepare EDM for manual positioning mode
4. Examine function controls on a traveling wire EDM
   1. Locate and set “on-time”, “off-time”, “intensity level”, “wire speed”, and “wire tension”
   2. Identify and set flushing pressure
   3. Identify and enable wire squaring functions
   4. Prepare EDM controls for erosion mode
   5. Prepare EDM controls for manual positioning mode
   6. Determine and set-up angle parameters
   7. Prepare control to accept, edit, and delete CNC programs
   8. Locate work-piece origin using machine pick-up functions
   9. Load and thread wire through-out machine wire driving mechanism
5. Differentiate proper electrode materials for both wire and conventional EDM
   1. List electrode materials and wear characteristics for each material
   2. Identify best electrode material for a given application according to flushing, finishing, and cost requirements
   3. Determine flushing ports necessary for a conventional electrode
   4. Determine the proper wire hardness as it pertains to angling and burning characteristics
6. Generate CNC programs for a wire EDM
   1. Download CNC program from a P.C. to the wire EDM control
   2. Create a CNC program using a CAM software package
   3. Manually edit a CNC program using the local editor at the machine control and using an off-line editor
   4. Explain and Interpolate CNC code
7. Produce proper work-piece set-ups
   1. Identify methods of work-holding using purchased fixturing
   2. Determine work-piece placement on the EDM to avoid working outside machine movements
   3. Identify work-piece set-ups as they effect flushing capabilities