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: A metal coating removing apparatus (1) includes a first electrode (13) arranged so as to be opposed to a metal coating (101) as an object to be removed, a second electrode 14 arranged so as to be opposed to the metal coating (101) at a predetermined distance from the first electrode (13), and a pulse power generator (11), for example, that functions as a discharge energy supply portion. The pulse power generator (11) supplies discharge energy between the first electrode (13) and the second electrode (14) so as to allow discharging to occur between the first electrode (13) and the second electrode (14). By allowing discharging to occur between the first electrode (13) and the second electrode (14), the metal coating (101) can be removed.

Abstract: An electric discharge apparatus includes electrode specification input means for inputting each electrode specification of a plurality of integral electrode where electrodes corresponding to a plurality of machining forms are arranged continuously on the same axis, machining detail input means for inputting data of a workpiece when electric discharge machining is performed using the integral electrode, and a machining program generation means for generating a machining program consisting of machining start position and a machining depth when electric discharge machining is performed using each electrodes based on the electrode specification and the thickness data of the workpiece thus input.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, including a step of creating an electric arc in an electric field between a carbonaceous anode and a carbonaceous cathode under conditions effective to produce the carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbonaceous anode and the carbonaceous cathode are immersed in dielectric liquid serving as a dielectric, coolant and for providing an oxygen-free environment. Preferably, one of the electric discharge machining dielectric oils is used as dielectric liquid. Preferably, an electric discharge machine is used to immerse the electrodes in the dielectric liquid, create an electric field, induce the arc, and adjust the gap between the electrodes thus optimizing the yield of carbon nanotubes. The process is cost-effective, easy to implement, and provides high-quality carbon nanotubes while eliminating the need for dedicated equipment and catalysts.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided comprising a base, a slide assembly attached to the base for supporting a tool and translating the tool along an axis, and a workpiece holder attached to the base. At least one of the slide assembly and the workpiece holder are movable laterally with respect to the axis. Means are provided for aligning the slide assembly and the workpiece holder in a desired lateral relationship. A method of aligning a machine tool is also provided.

Abstract: An electromachining system is described. The electromachining system includes a computer numerical controller (CNC) device and an electromachining controller device coupled to the CNC device and a power supply. The electromachining system also includes an electromachining tool coupled to the CNC device and the power supply. The electromachining controller device is configured to control operation of the electromachining tool and the CNC device is configured to position the electromachining tool relative to a workpiece.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the length of a carbon nanotube, in cooperation with a substrate having at least one reference level on a surface of the substrate on which at least one carbon nanotube is formed, comprising at least one positioning platform for mounting and calibrating the substrate; a discharging electrode mounted on one side of the positioning platform to cut the carbon nanotube wherein the position of the discharging electrode can be calibrated with the positioning platform; a piezoelectric actuator for calibrating the position of the discharging electrode or the height of the discharging electrode relative to the substrate reference level; a position sensor for detection of the height of the substrate; and a voltage pulse supplying means for applying a voltage pulse to the discharging electrode to cut the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A temperature probe assembly is provided. The temperature probe assembly may comprise a housing formed of a first thermally conductive material and having an inner diameter defined by an inner bore, an insert formed of a second thermally conductive material disposed in the inner bore and having an outer diameter that is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the housing at a first temperature and a temperature sensor mounted within the insert. The second thermally conductive material has a thermal coefficient of expansion that is greater than the first thermally conductive material, such that the insert is insertable into the inner bore at the first temperature and is tightly locked in the inner bore at a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature.

Abstract: Enhanced electrode discharge machining properties of an electrode wire are achieved when the electrode wire comprises a coil, a covering layer formed on a periphery of the coil, and grains formed on the covering layer. The grains comprise a copper-zinc alloy including about 0.01 to 0.5 weight % of at least one additive element selected from the group consisting of aluminum, tin, magnesium, lanthanum, cerium, nickel, manganese, titanium, and zirconium.

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: A method for designing and manufacturing a gear by means of a computer-controlled machining device comprises the following steps of using a machining device adapted to perform an operation from the group including: milling and spark eroding; using a tool, in particular a milling device or a spark erosion head; using a machining device of the type with at least five simultaneous, independent degrees of freedom; and applying an elongate tool, the form of which corresponds at least to some extent with the intended form of surfaces for modeling by machining.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a thread in a bore (2) by remote automatic machining characterized in that the method consists in introducing into the bore (2) an electrode (11) provided with a thread (20) whose shape and dimensions are pre-determined according to the shape and dimensions of an inside thread to be produced, in machining the internal threads by electroerosion displacing the electrode (11) in an orbital manner in the bore (2) according to a predetermined number of operations and in adjusting the machining parameters according to each operation. A device for carrying out said method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrode wire comprising an unalloyed copper core coated with a diffused zinc alloy coating layer, whereof the thickness is more than 10% of the wire diameter. The coating layer is optionally plated with a thin zinc, copper, nickel, silver or gold surface contact film. Such a wire achieves higher electrical discharge machining speed.

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 invention relates to 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. According to the invention, it is provided that 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: A method of producing a plurality of tool inserts (20) from a body of polycrystalline ultra-hard material (10), in particular polycrystalline diamond and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, having major surfaces (12, 14) on each of opposite sides thereof. The method includes the step of simultaneously producing a plurality of spaced holes (16, 26) in the body, each hole generally extending from one major surface to the opposite major surface. The holes are produced by a plurality of electrodes which may be arranged in a desired pattern. The body is severed between the holes to produce the plurality of tool inserts.

Abstract: A method of forming one or more features on a working surface of a superhard carbonaceous material comprises: positioning an electrode plate adjacent the superhard carbonaceous material, the electrode plate having an electrode surface oriented toward the working surface of the superhard carbonaceous material, the electrode surface including at least one protrusion or indentation formed therein or thereon; moving the electrode plate and the working surface toward one another while removing material from the working surface via electro-discharge machining; and moving the electrode plate and the working surface laterally relative to one another while removing material from the working surface via electro-discharge machining.

Abstract: A method for machining a workpiece which includes a conductor which carries a time-variable current along its longitudinal axis and is guided by an upper guide and a lower guide. A magnetic field is produced between the guides, the upper guide being located at a distance above the magnetic field and the lower guide at a distance below the magnetic field.

Abstract: In electric discharge machining for intermittently applying voltage pulses between a wire electrode and a workpiece with quiescent periods interposed, test voltage for checking conduction between upper and lower power feeding elements is applied during quiescent periods. When there is no conduction, it is determined that the wire electrode is broken between the upper and lower power feeding elements.

Abstract: A rough machining method for machining a channel in a workpiece includes the steps of: provide a power supply to energize one of a workpiece and an electrode as an anode and the other as a cathode; advance the electrode into the workpiece from a first start point to travel a first toolpath, so as to generate a first annular groove with a first core connecting with the workpiece; advance the electrode into the workpiece from a second start point to travel a second toolpath, so as to generate a second annular groove with a second core connecting with the workpiece, wherein the second annular groove intersects with the first annular groove and the first and the second cores are at least partially broken and disconnected with the workpiece upon intersecting of the first and the second annular grooves; and circulating a cutting fluid cross a working gap between a working face of the electrode and the workpiece.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for the control of electrical energy discharge from an electrode. In this regard, a sensor detects electrical energy discharged from the electrode and generates an electronic signal representative of a detected electrical energy discharge. Such a sensor may detect an electric field and/or light from the electrical energy discharge. The sensor may generate the electronic signal therefrom for subsequent processing. Accordingly, the system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor to determine a spurious discharge of the electrical energy discharge from the electrode. The controller processes the electronic signal to control at least one characteristic (e.g., voltage) of the electrical energy provided to the electrode. The controller may change a voltage of the electrical energy to the electrode in response to determining a spurious discharge of the electrical energy discharged from the electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hybrid machining a workpiece is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mandrel for supporting the workpiece adjacent a cutter mounted on an arbor. A workpiece is powered as an anode and the cutter is powered as a cathode, and a cutting fluid or coolant is circulated therebetween. The cutter is made of a conductive material and a non-conductive abrasive material to maximize the amount of material removed from the workpiece. The coolant includes one or more additives to enhance the electrical discharge between the cutter and the workpiece. The cutter is moved relative to the workpiece to remove material from the workpiece at a predetermined depth of cut using an enhanced high-speed electro-erosion (HSEE) process in which both HSEE and abrasive machining processes are used. The workpiece may then be finish machined to a final shape of the titanium article, such as a dovetail of a turbine blade.

Abstract: An antiglare film producing method of film production by surface embossing to polymer film is provided. The polymer film includes a support of triacetyl cellulose, and an anti-reflection layer overlaid thereon. An embossing roller is used for surface embossing to a front surface of the support or a surface of the anti-reflection layer. In the film producing method, the embossing roller is produced according to electrodischarge machining (EDM). A surface of the embossing roller has an arithmetic average roughness Ra of 0.3-1.0 micron, and has a protruding and retreating pattern with an average cycle length RSm of 5-30 microns.

Abstract: A electrical discharge machining apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may have an electrode, an actuator configured to advance the electrode, and a power supply. The apparatus may also have a controller in communication with the actuator and the power supply. The controller may be configured to negatively charge the electrode, and regulate the actuator to advance the negatively charged electrode toward a positively charged workpiece, thereby initiating erosion of the positively charged workpiece. The controller may also be configured to positively charge the electrode and negatively charge the workpiece to erode the electrode to a desired condition after workpiece erosion has been initiated. The controller may also be configured to continue advancing the electrode toward the workpiece after the electrode has been eroded to the desired condition.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine feeds an electrode wire received within a guide tube to a process region of a machined article. The electrical discharge machine includes a cylindrical hollow driving shaft arranged in a vertical direction, which has a space for receiving the guide tube with the electrode wire along a vertical central axis. A head assembly includes a first holding member for holding the guide tube, and a second holding member for holding the electrode wire extending from a bottom opening of the guide tube. The head assembly is detachably coupled with a bottom portion of the driving shaft. Therefore, the electrode wire can be replaced by replacing the head assembly.

Abstract: In a flame arrester arrangement which is formed from two metal strips (8, 9) which are wound together to form a disk having an approximately circular outer circumference and of which a first metal strip (8) is a smooth strip and the second metal strip (9) is a fluted strip having defined fluting, the two strips (8, 9), by bearing against one another, forming defined gaps (11) for passage of a fluid and being held in position relative to one another by fixing pins inserted into radial bores (6), the radial bores (6) can be incorporated without deforming the gaps (11) even in the region of the bores (6) by virtue of the fact that the bores (6) are incorporated by spark erosion without deforming the fluting formed in the second metal strip, such that the gaps (11) are also present in the region of the bores (6) in the manner defined by the fluting.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing chamber parts for plasma etching chambers involving electronic discharge machining (EDM) methods that allows silicon and other ceramic materials to be formed and drilled. Key factors disclosed relate to the clamping of such materials for the EDM machining to avoid the electrical current inhibiting influence of oxide coatings that these materials can form.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided comprising a base, a slide assembly attached to the base for supporting a tool and translating the tool along an axis, and a workpiece holder attached to the base. At least one of the slide assembly and the workpiece holder are movable laterally with respect to the axis. Means are provided for aligning the slide assembly and the workpiece holder in a desired lateral relationship. A method of aligning a machine tool is also provided.

Abstract: A machine tool having movable axes driven by linear motors has a brake unit disposed in parallel with each linear motor. When the linear motors are not excited, the brake units are turned on to lock the movable axes. When the linear motors are excited, if a machining signal is off, indicating that machining is not in progress, and no manual command is issued, the brake units are likewise turned on to lock the movable axes. The brake units have a certain amount of play so that even when locked, a movable axis can move by a certain amount to enable the linear motor, if excited, to halt in a stable position, avoiding overcurrent flow.

Abstract: Wire bonders and methods of wire-bonding are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes attaching a wire to a terminal of a microelectronic component and generating an arc between a first electrode and a second electrode to sever the wire at a point at least proximate to the first and second electrodes. In another embodiment, a wire bonder includes a bond head having a capillary, a first electrode and a second electrode each disposed relative to the bond head, and a controller operably coupled to the first and second electrodes. The controller has a computer-readable medium containing instructions to perform the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: Provided is a sputtering target, backing plate or apparatus inside a sputtering device in which an electrical discharge machining mark is formed on the face to which unwanted films during sputtering are deposited, and the electrical discharge machining mark is formed from numerous inclined protrusions having a depression angle of less than 90°. When necessary, chemical etching is further performed to the portions subject to such electrical discharge machining. Thereby, the separation and flying of deposits arising from the face to which unwanted films of the target, backing plate and apparatus inside the sputtering device are deposited can be prevented.

Abstract: Supply of a wire electrode, application of a detection voltage, and binarization and sampling of the detection voltage are started, so as to start advance of the wire electrode from the position A toward a workpiece. The position of the wire electrode when a sampling value (low level) is detected for the first time is designated as a position B, and the wire electrode is advanced from this position by a predetermined distance P1, and is stopped at a position C. Retreat of the wire electrode is started from the position C, and a position Q where the sampling value has changed from the high level to the low level is stored as a contact/noncontact boundary position. Further, retreat of the wire electrode is continued, and the wire electrode is stopped at a predetermined separating position D, to thereby finish the processing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for erosion machining a structure comprising one of a metallic structural component, a metallic insert element, and a connecting element, by way of erosion. The apparatus includes an eroding head including an electrode, a power supply, and a control device. The power supply and the control device produce an erosion current. A grounding device is arranged in an area of the eroding head and includes at least one contact element. When the eroding head is arranged to perform erosion machining, the at least one contact element contacts and forms an electrical connection with a surface of the structure, whereby an eroding electric circuit is formed via the electrode and the structure.

Abstract: An EDM drill comprised of an automated electrode tube replacing means to allow fully automated and continuous working on holes; and further comprised of an electrode tube guide selection device to allow fully automated and continuous working on holes of various diameters.

Abstract: A discharge pulse number generated between a wire electrode and a workpiece is counted every predetermined time. A ratio Px/Ps of this counted value Px to the reference pulse number Ps will be determined to control an amount of coolant in response to this ratio Px/Ps. Also, in response to this ratio Px/Ps, an amount of movement within predetermined time is controlled. Further, through the ratio Px/Ps and the like, quiescent time to be controlled by the detection voltage generator is controlled. Thereby, surplus supply of energy is prevented, the machining speed and machining precision is improved and any disconnection of the wire electrode is avoided.

Abstract: A miniature machine tool for micro-machining is capable of performing on a workpiece at least one conventional mechanical machining operation and another micro-machining operation such as electrochemical machining (ECM), electro deposit machining (EDM), micro-milling or micro-turning or micro-drilling. The machine tool includes a holder in which the workpiece is clamped during all successive machining operations so that the machining operations may be performed in succession without intervening reclamping of the workpiece. This increases dimensional accuracy when micro-machining high-precision components.

Abstract: Automated wire connection is performed, and when the wire connection succeeds, the wire feed rate during the next connection is set to a value one stage faster. On the other hand, when connection fails the wire feed rate is set to a value one stage slower.

Abstract: An electrode for electric discharge machining comprises a high strength pearlitic steel wire having a carbon content higher than 0.6% and a tensile strength higher than 3000 N/mm2. The steel wire is coated with a copper free zinc or zinc alloy coating. The electrode is in particular suitable for high precision performance applications.

Abstract: A hole-drilling guide for directing a flexible hole-drilling instrument includes; a body made of an electrically insulating material, at least one inlet aperture penetrating a face of the body, at least one exit aperture penetrating a face of the body and a hollow, nonlinear raceway linking the inlet and exit apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining a turbine blade assembly includes at least one locator for positioning the blade assembly with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus also includes at least one biasing mechanism for maintaining a relative position of the blade assembly with respect to said apparatus and at least one clamping device that includes a predetermined locking position. The clamping device retains the blade assembly.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining apparatus is provided with at least two work stations. A first servomotor is mounted above the first and second work stations, and a second servomotor mounted to the first servomotor so as to be selectively positioned over either of the first and second work stations by the first servomotor. The second servomotor is capable of causing relative motion between an electrode and a workpiece fixture in the first work station when positioned over the first work station and causing relative motion between an electrode and a workpiece fixture in the second work station when positioned over the second work station.

Abstract: In a wire cut electric discharge machine, a correction block is inserted into a corner of a movement path where the wire electrode is moved by the electrode moving device. The correction block does not correspond to the contour of the workpiece to be machined. When it is necessary to change machining condition such as the voltage to be applied to the wire electrode before and after the corner, a changing position to change the machining condition is set on the correction block.

Abstract: A holder for accurate positioning of a workpiece in the working area of a machine tool, especially an erosion machine, which includes a vibration damper to make the holder insensitive to vibrations such as those caused by variable rinse fluid pressure while machining the workpiece. At least one of the holder and workpiece is provided with a vibration damper.

Abstract: An electric discharge machining sampling apparatus for obtaining samples from a surface of metal components provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the sampling apparatus is operable underwater and includes a base plate and an electrode assembly movably coupled to the base plate. The electrode assembly includes an electric discharge electrode and an electrode holder with the electrode including at least one bore extending therethrough. The sampling apparatus also includes a particle collection assembly operatively coupled to the electrode. Each electrode bore is in flow communication with the particle collection assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a high-strength erosion electrode having good electrical conductivity. The erosion electrode is made up of a steel core, an intermediate layer of copper or a copper-containing alloy, and an outer layer containing at least 40% zinc or, alternatively, a steel core and a zinc alloy outer layer having a zinc content of from 40-60%. The steel core has a patented structure which contains between 0.6 and 1 wt. % carbon and occupies an area corresponding to between 50 and 75% of the erosion electrode diameter, the intermediate layer occupying an area of between 5 and 40% of the total diameter, the outer layer occupying an area of between 10 and 30%, and the zinc content of the outer layer being between 40 and 60 wt. %. In the alternative embodiment, the steel core occupies an area corresponding to between 50 and 75% of the erosion electrode diameter and the outer layer occupies the balance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for repairing an article, such as an air-cooled component, during which at least a portion of the component must be removed and replaced. The method and apparatus make use of one or more workpiece holders adapted to secure and position an component on the apparatus, a multi-axis head adapted for movement relative to the workpiece holder, a nozzle mounted to the multi-axis head and operable to remove at least a portion of the component with a jet of fluid discharged therefrom, an electrical-discharge electrode mounted to the multi-axis head and operable to form surface holes in the component by electrical-discharge machining, and a system for controlling the movement of the multi-axis head so that the waterjet and electrical-discharge machining operations are performed to yield a repaired component that closely duplicates the original.

Abstract: In order to achieve a reduction in wear of the wire guide rollers, apart from an improvement in the cutting speed and an improvement in current conduction, a wire electrode for spark erosion cutting of metals etc., comprising either a homogenous center (1) made of a metal or of a metal alloy, or a composite center, is provided with a sheath coating (2) whose surface is structured, wherein the indentations (3) created by the structure, are filled by a filler (4) made of an easily vapourable metal or of a metal alloy, so as to achieve a surface with little peak-to-valley height, i.e. with little surface roughness.

Abstract: An electrode holding and dispensing assembly for use with an electrical discharge machining apparatus. The assembly includes a guide rail having a channel formed therein and an electrode dispenser positioned to deliver electrodes to the channel. A slider is slidingly received in the channel for advancing electrodes delivered to the channel from the dispenser to an electrode seating site located in the channel, where the electrode is securely held during machining operations.

Abstract: An electric discharge machining apparatus is provided with an electrode mounting section which mounts a tool electrode, and an electrode driving section which has a radial driving section which supports and drives the electrode mounting section in a non-contact manner in a radial direction and a thrust driving section which supports and drives the electrode mounting section in a non-contact manner in a thrust direction, and a machining state is controlled by adjusting a position of the tool electrode by the electrode driving section. Because of such a structure, a mass increase of a section which should be driven together with the electrode is restricted, and high response in X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions are achieved, whereby an electric discharge machining apparatus capable of improving a machining speed and a machining accuracy is achieved.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine for forming a small hole including an intermediate guide having an upper guide and lower guide to support an electrode for forming a small hole at two points between an electrode holder and a small hole guide and also having a chuck, which can be opened and closed, provided in each guide; a first drive unit to drive the intermediate guide in the longitudinal direction of the electrode, a second drive unit to open and close the guide chucks of the intermediate guide; and a third drive unit to variably change distance L between the upper guide and lower guide of the intermediate guide in the longitudinal direction of the electrode.