Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is a well-established process for removing conductive material from a workpiece when traditional machining methods reach their limits. EDM is considered a non-traditional method since it uses spark erosion to accurately remove metal from conductive materials.
As EDM technology improved, so did the demand for machines with the ability to produce smaller and more precise holes, leading to the popularity of small hole EDM. Small hole EDM machines are used for drilling, or “hole popping,” small-sized holes into any electrically conductive material, regardless of material hardness.
Small Hole EDM Capabilities
At South Shore Manufacturing, we specialize in EDM, including small hole EDM drilling. Our small hole EDM machines complement our other EDM capabilities for fast turnaround times and unbeatable efficiency for production runs of all sizes.
South Shore Manufacturing’s small hole EDM drilling equipment is capable of producing holes ranging from 0.010″ to 0.25″ in diameter with extreme accuracy. By meeting tight tolerances for holes that are too small or difficult for conventional drilling methods, South Shore Manufacturing delivers deep holes that are exceptionally straight and free of burrs.
Our equipment can handle workpieces measuring up to 12″ in length, 8″ in width, and 20″ in thickness. We can easily drill through a large variety of standard, precious, and exotic metals, including Inconel®, carbon and stainless steel, alloy steel, molybdenum, silver, superalloys, and more. The use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) services allows us to program the diameter, depth, and placement of holes for enhanced precision and design control.
Small Hole EDM Advantages & Benefits
Small Hole EDM offers a range of advantages and benefits, including:
- Ability to drill on curved and angled surfaces. Without the electrode coming into contact with the material being cut, it is easier to drill on curved or angled surfaces when using small hole EDM.
- Drilling hard, high strength alloys. Hardness does not affect the small hole EDM drilling process, making it the only drilling method for some materials.
- Drilling of softer metals. Softer materials, such as aluminum and copper, often produce chips that cling to cutters. With small hole EDM, drilling of such materials is easily completed without the creation of chips.
- Deep hole drilling. Small hole EDM drilling is usually the only practical solution for creating deep small holes. South Shore Manufacturing can drill to depths up to 20″.
- Burr-free and straight holes. The no-contact process of small hole EDM drilling produces straighter holes that are difficult to obtain with traditional drilling due to drifting. The burr-free holes created with small hole EDM drilling saves time from deburring that’s necessary with conventional drilling.
- Prevents broken drills. Since the electrode in small hole EDM drilling does not come in contact with the workpiece, it eliminates improper torque conditions, preventing broken drills.
- Increased Precision. Being able to program diameter, depth, and hole placement in small hole EDM machines increases control and enhances precision.
Small Hole EDM Drilling at South Shore Manufacturing
Small Hole EDM drilling is an ideal way for quickly creating holes in materials that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to machine. South Shore Manufacturing is the largest wire EDM shop in New England, and our experienced staff has the knowledge to tackle your most challenging jobs. For more information on our small hole EDM services, contact us today.