Abstract: The invention concerns an electrode wire comprising a metal core coated with a zinc surface cladding whereof the thickness ranges between 2 and 4 ?m, thereby providing a better compromise between machining speed, precision of workpieces and surface condition of the machined workpieces.

Abstract: An electric discharge machine performs a hole machining on a workpiece by applying a voltage between an electrode and the workpiece to generate an electric discharge therebetween and moving the electrode to a position of a command depth. The electric discharge machine comprises: a storage unit; a current-coordinate detection unit; an electric-discharge-voltage detection unit a penetration detection unit; and a calculation unit. The storage unit stores therein a penetration determination voltage, a penetration determining duration, and a first projecting amount. The current-coordinate detection unit detects a current position of the electrode. The electric-discharge-voltage detection unit detects a minimum voltage of the electric discharge for each predetermined period. The penetration detection unit determines the electrode has penetrated through the workpiece.

Abstract: The automatic wire-threading device includes a wire feed motor that drives a wire feed roller in a feeding direction, a wire-feed-motor control unit that outputs a feeding-direction rotation-speed reference to the wire feed motor at a time of a threading operation of a wire electrode and that reduces torque in a feeding direction when a detected rotation speed of the wire feed roller is larger than the feeding-direction rotation-speed reference, a wire collecting motor that drives a wire collecting roller in a collecting direction, and a wire-collecting-motor control unit that outputs a predetermined wire-collecting-roller speed reference to the wire collecting motor to collect a wire. The wire-feed-motor control unit limits torque so that an absolute value of motor torque in a winding-back direction of a wire feed roller is smaller than an absolute value of motor torque in a feeding direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to seal ring back-up devices suitable for use on glands in sealing systems. In particular, the present invention relates to seal ring back-up devices that have been designed to fit into essentially all types of glands and close extrusion gaps. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a seal ring back-up device having an annular body having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a scarf cut; and where the annular body is configured to fit a gland and engage a seal ring.

Abstract: A reactive-species supply device is configured to supply a treatment gas to an electric discharge space that is formed by at least one pair of electrodes, for thereby supplying at least a reactive species formed in a plasma, to an object through a reactive-species output port. The reactive-species supply device includes (a) a reactive-species outlet passage disposed between the electric discharge space and the reactive-species output port and (b) an earth ground member disposed in a portion of the reactive-species outlet passage. The portion of the reactive-species outlet passage is distant, by a given distance, from the reactive-species output port. Also disclosed is a surface treatment apparatus that includes the reactive-species supply device.

Abstract: By utilizing a function of automatically selecting an automatic wire-connection parameter of a wire electric discharge machining apparatus, a default cutting condition is read, a cutting process is executed, and a wire-connection process is executed. As a result, when the wire connection is successful, the process in an automatic wire connection mode is ended. On the other hand, when the wire connection is unsuccessful, it is determined whether or not a parameter set selected by executing a cutting condition automatic selection process is adopted as a new default cutting condition. When the selected parameter set is adopted as the new default cutting condition, the selected parameter set is stored as the new default cutting condition, and the automatic wire connection mode is ended.

Abstract: A wire electric discharge machine machines a workpiece immersed in an electrically conductive water-based machining fluid stored in a machining vessel. An inert gas dissolver is provided in the wire electric discharge machine to pressurize the machining fluid, dissolve an inert gas into the pressurized machining fluid, and depressurize the machining fluid, such that wire discharge machining is carried out in the machining fluid containing the inert gas dissolved therein.

Abstract: A portable EDM device and system thereof for producing calibration reflectors on a pipe includes a base mountable on the pipe, a motor mounted on the base, a cutting tool operably connected to the motor, an electrode operably connected to the cutting tool, a power source mounted on the base and operably connected to the electrode and operably connectable to the pipe, and a source of dielectric fluid mounted on the base. The power source is configured to electrically discharge a voltage from the electrode to the pipe to remove material from the pipe. The source of dielectric fluid is in fluid communication with the pipe to remove the material removed from the pipe.

Abstract: A fuel cell, having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a membrane element, in which the membrane element is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one of the electrodes has a flow field plate and at least one flow conduit, through which a reactant can be conducted, extends in at least one outer surface of the flow field plate. The flow field plate has at least one microreaction chamber, and the microreaction chamber is disposed in the outer surface and on the flow conduit. A catalyst is disposed on at least a part of the microreaction chamber in such a way that the catalyst has contact simultaneously with the membrane element and the inflowing reactant.

Abstract: Machining state information is acquired for each predetermined period by performing test machining by means of an electric discharge machine, and the acquired machining state information is compared with reference machining state information, whereby whether a machining state is satisfactory or not is determined. If the machining state is determined to be unsatisfactory, set items of a machining condition are adjusted. Thereafter, test machining is actually performed again, and the machining condition is adjusted by changing the set items if the machining state is determined again to be unsatisfactory. Thus, the acquisition of the machining state information, determination of the machining state, and adjustment of the machining condition are repeated so that satisfactory machining is finally determined.

Abstract: A tool holder comprising a base element, a deformable receiver for clamping a tool and at least one locking element configured for preventing an axial extraction of the tool from the tool holder through engaging a corresponding opposite element at the tool, wherein the at least one locking element is integrally configured in one piece with the receiver.

Abstract: A capillary is utilized to form the wedge wire bond comprised in a wire interconnection. A wire holding device is located above a wire clamp and the capillary to secure the wire while the wire clamp is open and not clamping onto the wire. The wire clamp and the capillary may be lifted relative to the wire in a direction away from the wedge wire bond and towards the wire holding device so as to pay out a length of wire from the capillary. At a predetermined height of the capillary, the wire clamp is closed to clamp onto the wire, and thereafter, the capillary and wire clamp may be moved further away from the wedge wire bond to cause the wire to break away from the wedge wire bond and to form the wire tail with a desired length extending from the capillary.

Abstract: To keep an electric discharge state in an electric-discharge machining device constant, an electric-discharge machining control device includes: a machining power supply that applies a pulsed voltage to a minute gap between an electrode and a workpiece that are arranged to oppose to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween to generate electric discharge; a state amount detector that detects an inter-electrode voltage in the minute gap between the electrode and the workpiece; an electrode-vibration-state detection unit that detects an amplitude of the inter-electrode voltage obtained by the state amount detector; an adjustment-factor setting unit that sets a factor by which an inter-electrode average voltage obtained by the state amount detector is to be multiplied, based on an amplitude of an inter-electrode voltage obtained by the electrode-vibration-state detection unit; and an evaluation-voltage setting unit that sets an evaluation voltage based on the factor outputted from the adjustment-factor se

Abstract: A grinding machine for grinding a workpiece comprises a machine frame, a bearing device provided on the machine frame and movable along guides, in which a cup-shaped grinding wheel is rotatably drivable about a grinding wheel axis and electrically insulated. The grinding wheel is electrically connected to a generator. The device for profile dressing, sharpening and cleaning the grinding wheel consists of a single cup-shaped electrode, which is drivable about its central axis and is placed on a slide, which allows a working gap to exist between the machining surface of the cup-shaped electrode and the annular abrasive surface. A spark erosion discharge occurs in the gap when a voltage is applied. The grinding wheel can thereby be optimally conditioned by electric discharge machining.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism is disposed in a lower-arm insertion portion of a working tank of a wire-cut electric discharge machine, and a pre-sealing unit is attached to the sealing mechanism. The pre-sealing unit includes bellows unit and partition unit which surrounds the sealing mechanism from within the working tank. Further, a supply pipe formed with a plurality of openings directed to the sealing mechanism is located at the upper part of the bellows unit, and a working fluid is introduced into the pre-sealing unit through the openings of the supply pipe.

Abstract: A component is provided and includes a substrate comprising an outer and an inner surface, where the inner surface defines at least one hollow, interior space. The component defines one or more grooves, where each groove extends at least partially along the outer surface of the substrate and has a base and a top. The base is wider than the top, such that each groove comprises a re-entrant shaped groove. One or more access holes are formed through the base of a respective groove, to connect the groove in fluid communication with the respective hollow interior space. Each access hole has an exit diameter D that exceeds the opening width d of the top of the respective groove. The diameter D is an effective diameter based on the area enclosed. The component further includes at least one coating disposed over at least a portion of the surface of the substrate, wherein the groove(s) and the coating together define one or more re-entrant shaped channels for cooling the component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapidly and efficiently machining rare earth magnets are disclosed. In particular various embodiments of multi-wire electrical discharge machining and wire saw machines are described that can allow for significant time savings, thereby allowing integration of a wire cutting process into a high volume production scale operation.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic wire threader for a wire electric discharge machining apparatus including a jet nozzle (20). The jet nozzle includes a first finger and a second finger (21, 22) that are movable between their open positions where a jet nozzle hole (28) is undefined and their closed positions where the jet nozzle hole is defined. The jet nozzle further includes bias means (60) for urging the first finger and the second finger to their open positions. A moving device moves the jet nozzle from the retracted position to the operational position, so as to bring the first finger and the second finger in contact with a flush nozzle, thereby moving the first finger and the second finger against the bias means toward their closed positions.

Abstract: A method of operating a machine tool, e.g., an electrical discharge machine, and a machine tool system with a machine, e.g. an electrical discharge machine, for machining a workpiece may include numerous configurable modules (DRIVE; GEN; CONTROL) to perform at least one of controlling, monitoring and carrying out of the machining of a workpiece. The modules (DRIVE; GEN; CONTROL) are arranged on the machine and are linked by a data network to a node for at least one of sending data to the node and receiving data from the node.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine that performs electrical discharge machining on a workpiece by supplying a machining fluid to a machining gap between a machining electrode and the workpiece, the electrical discharge machine including: an air-bubble generation unit that generates air bubbles in the machining fluid; a storage unit that stores therein the machining fluid containing the air bubbles generated by the air-bubble generation unit; and a flow-rate adjustment unit that adjusts a flow rate of the machining fluid that flows in the storage unit, wherein the flow-rate adjustment unit adjusts the flow rate according to a diameter of the air bubbles contained in the machining fluid to be supplied to a machining tank in which the workpiece is placed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant with a basic body made of aluminum, a method of producing an implant and an device for producing an implant. The implant has a microstructure and a macrostructure. Through this the biochemical interaction between the implant and tissue is optimized with regard to degradation and ingrowth behavior.

Abstract: A power supply device for a wire electric discharge machine is provided with a main DC power source and an auxiliary DC power source with variable voltage. While first pulses are being output, a voltage from the main DC power source is applied to a machining gap between a wire electrode and a workpiece. While second pulses are being output with the output of the first pulses stopped, inductive energy stored by an inductance in a circuit is passed through the gap, and a voltage corresponding to a peak current value provided by the main DC power source is applied to the gap by the auxiliary DC power source. When the output of the second pulses is stopped, the inductive energy is returned to the main DC power source.

Abstract: The electrode wire according to the invention comprises a brass core (1) covered with a ? phase brass coating (2) having a structure fragmented into blocks (2a) between which the core (1) is exposed. The blocks (2a) have a thickness (E2) with a narrow distribution and produce a coverage of the core (1) according to a coverage rate greater than 50%. This produces a regular fragmentation of the coating, which improves the finish state of the machined parts.

Abstract: In a wire electric discharge machine, a workpiece mounting unit mounts a workpiece tilted at a preset angle to a plane based on two orthogonal axes, X- and Y-axes. An XY-coordinate system is tilted at the preset angle so that it is transformed into an X?Y?-coordinate system. A machining command value commanded by a machining program is corrected based on the X?Y?-coordinate system. Thus, the tilted workpiece is taper-machined with a wire electrode kept substantially perpendicular to the XY-plane (table surface).

Abstract: An apparatus for making bores in a turbine blade edge is provided. The apparatus includes a drilling device and a guide for the drilling device. The guide includes a bearing element with a gap which is delimited by bearing faces and has the shape of a turbine blade edge. Further, the apparatus includes two guide modules which lie opposite one another and are brought to bear with a side face of the turbine blade and which together form a tension device for fixing the guide on the turbine blade. Furthermore, a method for making bores in a turbine blade edge using such an apparatus is provided.

Abstract: In a waveform of switching signals, which is output from a full-bridge circuit formed of four switching elements, includes a normal polarity pulse group and a reversed polarity pulse group for controlling an output timing of voltage pulses. A duty cycle of the normal polarity pulse group containing a plurality of normal polarity pulses, which apply a positive power-supply polarity to a workpiece and apply a negative power-supply polarity to a machining-purpose electrode, is configured so as to be different from a duty cycle of the reversed polarity pulse group containing a plurality of reversed polarity pulses, which apply a negative power-supply polarity to the workpiece and apply a positive power-supply polarity to the machining-purpose electrode.

Abstract: A method for cutting a graphic into a graphic material is disclosed. The method includes automatically controlling a cutting device to cut a desired graphic shape into a graphic material and automatically adjusting the cutting depth of the cutting device between at least a shallower cutting depth and a deeper cutting depth substantially contemporaneously with the cutting the desired graphic shape into the material.

Abstract: Cutting device for spark-erosion machine wires in which, after passing through a machining region, the wire-electrode is cut up into sections which are disposed of as waste products into a recovery receptacle. The device comprises electrical contacts connected to a voltage/current source. The wire is subjected to a dielectric fluid whose flow rate is sufficiently high to generate a turbulent flow regime and cause random lateral movements of the wire which sporadically brushes against the contacts.

Abstract: The hand-held electro-discharge device to remove boluses of material from a workpiece. In some implementations a conductive electrode and its supporting ground pin are immersed in a dielectric fluid contained in a hood or cavity near or at the electrode's distal tip an removably sealed to a conductive workpiece. A flushing inlet and outlet in fluid communication with said hood provide a flushing fluid, which may also be a dielectric fluid to remove FOD and cool.

Abstract: The power supply device for electrical discharge machine is equipped with a capacitor that stores electric charge, a DC power supply V that charges the capacitor, a first switching element that generates a pulse-like discharge by applying the electric charge stored in the capacitor to an electrode gap, and a control unit that controls ON/OFF of the first switching element based on a voltage of the electrode gap. After controlling the first switching element to be ON so as to apply the electric charge stored in the capacitor to the electrode gap, the control unit changes an amount of time from a point when the voltage of the electrode gap is decreased to a predetermined value or lower to a point when the first switching element is controlled to be OFF, so as to control the magnitude of a discharge pulse generated in the electrode gap.

Abstract: A process of electrical discharge machining using a wire electrode is provided. The use of a thick wire electrode means that the surface can be machined considerably more accurately. The wire electrode has a diameter of at least 2.0 mm. In a first step for machining the surface, a rough contour is produced on the component.

Abstract: Methods are provided for solving a process function for modification of a non-test die for use in extrusion of a honeycomb body. The process function is solved by comparing measured widths of a plurality of slots between pins of a test die in the post-removal state and measured widths of a plurality of slots between pins of the test die in the pre-removal state. Methods are also provided for modifying a non-test die for use in extrusion of a honeycomb body. Such methods remove non-test-die material from a plurality of pins of the non-test die based on application of the process function.

Abstract: An electroerosion machining system comprises an electrode, a power supply, an electrolyte supply, an electroerosion controller connected to and monitoring the power supply, and a working apparatus configured to move the electrode relative to the workpiece. The electroerosion machining system further comprises a CNC controller configured to cooperate with the electroerosion controller to control the working apparatus, and to calculate a wear value of the electrode. Further, the CNC controller is configured to segment the toolpath of every layer into a plurality of segments, and to divide the compensation value for every layer to be machined into a plurality of value segments, and further to use the value segments to compensate for electrode wear along the respective toolpath segments during machining of the workpiece. An electroerosion machining method is also presented.

Abstract: An electric discharge machine die sinking device includes a tank for holding a fluid, and at least one electrode in the tank having a shape for imparting to a first portion of a workpiece. A workpiece holder positions the workpiece at least partially immersed in the fluid and alternately moves the workpiece between an inoperable position and a first operable position of the first electrode at which electric discharge machining occurs on the first portion. A pulse generator creates an electric discharge between the first portion and the first electrode to remove material from the first portion in response to the workpiece being in the first operable position. Movement of the workpiece from the electrode flushes particle containing fluid away from the workpiece and the electrode. A segmented electrode includes a separate pulse generator for each segment may also be employed.

Abstract: An electric discharge machining apparatus having a gate signal generator for generating a gate signal, a power source for applying a voltage across a work gap formed between a tool electrode and a workpiece, a gap voltage detector for detecting a gap voltage of the work gap, an electric discharge detector for supplying an electric discharge detection signal representing electric discharge to the gate signal generator. The electric discharge detector includes a counter for generating a sample clock having a frequency greater than the frequency of the gate signal, and a comparator for receiving the gap voltage and determining that a fall in the gap voltage is larger than a specified voltage difference in each sample clock. The electric discharge detection signal is generated in response to an output signal of the comparator.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a component is provided. The fabrication method includes depositing a first layer of a structural coating on an outer surface of a substrate. The substrate has at least one hollow interior space. The fabrication method further includes machining the substrate through the first layer of the structural coating, to define one or more openings in the first layer of the structural coating and to form respective one or more grooves in the outer surface of the substrate. Each groove has a respective base and extends at least partially along the surface of the substrate. The fabrication method further includes depositing a second layer of the structural coating over the first layer of the structural coating and over the groove(s), such that the groove(s) and the second layer of the structural coating together define one or more channels for cooling the component. A component is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound electrical discharge machining (EDM) apparatus, which combines a small-hole EDM module and a wire-cut EDM apparatus and hence having the functions of small-hole and wire-cut EDM simultaneously. Thereby, in the compound EDM apparatus, a workpiece can be first processed by the small-hole EDM and subsequently by the wire-cut EDM without repositioning. Accordingly, automatic processing can be achieved. The inability of full automation in wire-cut EDM machines owing to lack of small-hole EDM functionality is improved.

Abstract: A wire electric discharge machining apparatus includes guide rollers and a single electrode wire that is wrapped around each of the guide rollers to form cut wire portions that are spaced from one another between pairs of the guide rollers. A processing power supply feeds electric power to the individual cut wire portions through a power feed element. A high frequency insulator includes wound coils of the electrode wire that are located between adjacent cut wire portions, and cores which close respective magnetic circuits of the individual coils. The magnetic circuits are magnetically insulated from one another. The power feed element is arranged between the individual cut wire portions and the individual coils, and the individual cut wire portions are insulated from one another at high frequencies by the individual coils. Voltages are impressed on the individual cut wire portions independently, so discharges can be generated simultaneously, in parallel.

Abstract: An electric discharge machining (EDM) device includes a circular blade, a motor coupled to the circular blade for rotating the circular blade, and an electric discharge control system operatively coupled to the circular blade and a workpiece. The electric discharge control system causes the rotating circular blade to cut the workpiece using electric discharge machining. The device allows for removal of large chunks of material using EDM, minimizing the number of cuts, time and energy required to create a part.

Abstract: The hand-held electro-discharge machining fastener removal device of this invention brings an EDM electrode and its supporting ground pin and dielectric fluid structure to a fastener in a workpiece, such as an aircraft fuselage. The hand-held device brings the dielectric fluid, power supply, and control system structure to the fastener in a compact tool to permit EDM machining to be brought to large structures.

Abstract: The tension measuring unit that measures a physical amount corresponding to tension of a wire in a wire transport system, the fluctuation recording unit that records the physical amount measured by the tension measuring unit, the fluctuation analysis unit that obtains an average value, variation, and frequency analysis data of the recorded physical amount as an analysis result of the physical amount, the maintenance necessity determining unit that compares the analysis result with a reference value and determines whether maintenance is needed based on a comparison result and the display unit that displays a determination result are included, and it is made possible to accurately determine the time for maintenance for various components used in the wire transport system without using a measuring instrument.

Abstract: Device for managing the electrodes for electrical discharge machining EDM machine tools comprises at least one magazine (1) that has a series of individual housings (33) designed to accept and hold exchangeable elements (5) consisting of electrodes (6, 22) mounted on an electrode holder (11a, 11b), and a changer device (2) equipped with a gripper (2) intended to move the exchangeable elements (5) from the individual housings (33) towards the machine and vice versa. A first adapter piece (21) is associated with each of the exchangeable elements (5). This adapter piece (21) surrounds the electrode holder (11a, 11b) and is gripped around its periphery by the gripper (9) of the changer (2) so as to guarantee that the exchangeable element (5) is held precisely. The device further comprises a second adapter piece (32) associated with each of the individual housings (33) of the magazine (1) that are likely to be used.

Abstract: A portable EDM device and system thereof for producing calibration reflectors on a pipe includes a base mountable on the pipe, a motor mounted on the base, a cutting tool operably connected to the motor, an electrode operably connected to the cutting tool, a power source mounted on the base and operably connected to the electrode and operably connectable to the pipe, and a source of dielectric fluid mounted on the base. The power source is configured to electrically discharge a voltage from the electrode to the pipe to remove material from the pipe. The source of dielectric fluid is in fluid communication with the pipe to remove the material removed from the pipe.

Abstract: The hand-held electro-discharge device to remove boluses of material from a workpiece. In some implementations a conductive electrode and its supporting ground pin are immersed in a dielectric fluid contained in a hood or cavity near or at the electrode's distal tip an removably sealed to a conductive workpiece. A flushing inlet and outlet in fluid communication with said hood provide a flushing fluid, which may also be a dielectric fluid to remove FOD and cool.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an optical element is provided. The apparatus includes a lens cell (1003) and a plurality of fingers (1000) coupled to the lens cell. Each finger includes a base (1012) configured to be coupled to the optical element when mounted therein, first (1006a) and second (1006b) flexures coupled at first respective ends to and extending from the base (1012) at a divergence angle between about 75 and 165 degrees, and a mounting member (1008) configured to couple together second respective ends of the first and second flexures. The mounting member thereby couples the base (1012) to the lens cell (1003).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a multipole system from a composite, comprising metal and insulating components rigidly fastened together, includes spark erosion cutting with a moving wire cathode to create a solid block whose metal pole faces are accurately parallel to one another.

Abstract: An electrode for electric discharge surface treatment, in which a pulse-like electric discharge is caused between the electrode and a work in a dielectric fluid or an atmosphere, and in which a coat of an electrode material or a substance that is generated by a reaction of the electrode material due to an electric discharge energy is formed on a surface of the work, is a molded powder that is formed by molding a material powder including a metallic powder, a metallic compound powder, and a conductive ceramic powder. A powder solid that is formed as a result of coagulation of the material powder, and that is included in the molded powder has a diameter shorter than a distance between the electrode and the work.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode for a spark plug is provided. The method includes machining locating holes within a blank material, inserting a rod of a different material into the locating holes and brazing the rod to the blank. An electrode receiving aperture is machined into the blank. The step of machining the aperture exposes a surface of the rod to form a contact portion of the electrode.

Abstract: To form a thick coating by a discharge surface treatment, a voltage between an electrode and a workpiece during a discharge is detected, and it is determined that a discharge surface treatment state is abnormal if it is detected that the voltage is reduced. With this arrangement, it is possible to accurately detect an unstable phenomenon in the discharge surface treatment, and take appropriate measures before a state of the coating and a state of the electrode are worsened due to the unstable phenomenon. By discriminating a stability of the discharge surface treatment, the coating and the electrode are prevented from being damaged.

Abstract: An electrode wire for wire electric discharge machining includes a binary alloy of copper and zinc. The electrode wire is manufactured by hot-extruding an alloy including copper and zinc at a predetermined ratio and then cold-drawing and annealing the hot-extruded alloy, and ? phase crystals and ?? phase crystals uniformly exist.