How Does Wire Cutting Work? Understanding the Entire Process

Wire cutting, also known as wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) has been changing the way manufacturers change innovation and production into their workday for over five decades. The accuracy and affordability generated by wire EDM in metal cutting give a more precise product than ever before.

In this guide, we get to discuss how the wire cutting process works and its benefits. Let’s get started:

How Does Wire Cutting Work?

Wire cutting is a form of machining that is done using a thin wire as an electrolyte to cut any material that conducts electricity, regardless of whether it’s hard or soft. The process works by creating an electrical discharge between the wire or the electrode and the workpiece. Parts with tight tolerances, like for carbide or titanium, can be achieved by the electric discharge cutting process.

In other words, wire EDM involves the use of a charged wire to remove tiny particles and further cutting to form parts. The conductive filament carries the charge on one side and the material on the other side. When the electrode comes close to a conductive material, the electricity causes a spark that lands on the conductive material and erodes it. The deionized water separates the two electrodes applying an electrical current to produce a periodically varying current discharge to process the material.

The wire erodes faster during the process. Therefore, the machine must consistently feed fresh wire from a spool to keep it going. The used and damaged wire is chopped up and disposed of into a feed bin for recycling purposes. For better results, wire cutting machines need a continuous supply of fresh wire along with a clean dielectric liquid.

What Are the Benefits of the Wire Cutting Process?

Having access to professional wire cutting services will offer your project or business top quality and a high level of detail. If the material you want to re-shape is conductive, it can be machined into almost any shape.

Even if you are not sure of the exact design, with a clear concept of what the part needs to do, you can work with the mechanical engineers to create the right design and transfer it to the wire EDM computer. Some of the benefits of the wire EDM process include:

The electrical discharging machine can cut hard materials while still maintaining exceptional surface finishes. This reduces the need for post-processing or surface treatment.

The process has less chance of causing damage to the workpiece itself as it is often automated.

Wire EDM is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to cut metal. It provides unbeatable accuracy in cutting complex shapes as compared to plasma and laser cutting.

This machining has a widespread application, from small hole drilling to automotive and aerospace components. It leads to the production of more fine and smooth finishes compared to other metal fabrication techniques.

Wire EDM process is time-saving. With an experienced engineer, your wire-cutting project can be completed in a shorter amount of time.

Wire EDM uses electrical discharges that flow throughout a fine wire, which allows for precision with even the most complex and intricate shapes.

Contact Laurel Wire Company for Your Next Wire Cutting Job

Choosing an experienced company with quality machines and expert operators will help you get the best possible results. At Laurel Wire Company, we deliver only the highest-quality wire cutting, straightening, and centerless grinding services.

Whether you need a few prototypes or are ready for a large production run, we ensure your order meets the highest standards.

When quality and precision matter most, contact us today to get your new project on the table or your production line back up and running. Our team of experts is always happy to help and will provide you with a free quote for all our wire cutting services.