Abstract: An electric discharge machine to process a work piece includes a plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of discharge power supply units. The plurality of electrodes generate a plurality of discharges with the work piece, respectively. The plurality of discharge power supply units apply voltages for the plurality of electrodes, respectively and independently.

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: A method for manufacturing a die to be used for formation of honeycomb structure, the die having a die base having two faces, honeycomb-shaped slits 5 being formed in one face and back holes communicating with the slits 5 being formed in the other face in order to introduce a forming material thereinto, at least the slit portions of the die being made of a super had alloy, wherein slits 5 are formed by grinding or electric discharge machining, then a discharging electrode 40 having a square-shaped section is disposed near each crossing portion of slits 5, and electric discharge machining is conducted from the upper side of slit 5 toward the depth direction of slit.

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: An apparatus and method for hybrid machining a workpiece is disclosed. The workpiece is powered as an anode, a 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. The hybrid machine performs a roughing pass machining operation in which material is removed from the workpiece at a relatively high rate using a high-speed electro-erosion (HSEE) process. Then, the hybrid machine performs a finish pass machining operation in which material is removed from the workpiece using precision electro-grinding (PEG) process at a different differential electrical potential and/or flushing rate than the roughing pass machining operation to provide a smooth finish without thermal effects on the workpiece.

Abstract: Monopropellant and pre-mixed bipropellant storage and supply systems for rocket engines and other work producing systems are subject to damage when detonation progresses upstream from a combustion chamber to and through supply lines. Interposing one or more micro porous or micro fluidic elements into the supply conduit can limit the flame front that accompanies such unintended detonation, but inevitably restrict the flow of the propellant to the combustion chamber. A tiered micro fluidic element where a bulk of the element has relatively large pores but forms a structurally robust supports a second, relatively thin region having appropriately small mean pore diameter provides an effective flashback barrier that can resist catastrophic failure during such detonations. Such elements can be used in isolation, or they can be incorporated into detonation wave arrestors or pressure wave-triggered cut-off valves or the like to decrease the incidence of unintended detonations.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining apparatus having a wire electrode and a guide system for machining reverse-taper bores in a workpiece, particularly cone-shaped bores. A guide body near the workpiece stabilizes a first portion of an electrode and a second portion of the electrode extends from the guide body terminating in a working tip. As the guide body is wobbled about the longitudinal axis of a desired workpiece bore, the electrode is advanced and the working tip of the electrode erodes progressively larger closed curves in the workpiece, resulting in a reverse taper bore in the workpiece.

Abstract: A strut for the exhaust nozzle for a turbine engine includes a rod having a body member which has two opposite ends, a first rod end at one end and a second rod end at the other end. Each rod end defines a mounting aperture having an interior surface, and there is a ball member disposed in the mounting aperture to form a spherical plain bearing. At least one of the spherical plain bearings spherical bearing does not include an outer ring. At least one ball member may be made by molding, compacting, and sintering powdered chromium-cobalt alloy into an unfinished ball member, machining the unfinished ball member using wire EDM to provide a machined ball member, and jig grinding a chamfer onto the machined ball member.

Abstract: The diffusion opening in the cooling hole of an airfoil is formed by an EDM process in which the outwardly flaring sidewalls of the opening, rather then having surfaces that are approximated to be smooth by having many small ribs formed therein, are formed with a relatively few ribs with both longitudinally extending and radially extending surfaces that are substantially greater in dimension than those as normally formed. In this manner, the machining process is simplified and expedited, while at the same time, the cooling efficiency is increased.

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 electric discharge machining apparatus includes: electrodes the total quantity of which is equal to N; an alternating-current power source; and capacitors the total quantity of which is equal to N. The alternating-current power source applies an alternating voltage commonly to the electrodes. One end of each of the capacitors is connected to a corresponding one of the electrodes, whereas the other ends of the capacitors are commonly connected to the alternating-current power source.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an impeller of a centrifugal rotating machine that is approximately disk-shaped and in which flow passages are formed between a plurality of blades and disposed in a radial manner from the inner circumferential side to the outer circumferential side, provided with: a first flow passage formation step that forms a first region on the outer circumferential side within the flow passage by inserting an electrode of a shape fitting to the flow passage with the electric discharge machining method from the outer circumferential side of the disk-shaped body having an outer shape of an impeller; and a second flow passage formation step that forms a second region on the inner circumferential side within the flow passage from the inner circumferential side of the disk-shaped body.

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: The workpiece-contacting surface of the spot welding electrode may be suitably modified to incorporate a desired shape or form, generally comprising a depressed region outlining a recognizable shape, to form aesthetically-pleasing or functional features in the surface of a workpiece during resistance spot welding. Methods for creating the desired form in the spot welding electrode including abrasion, upsetting, and electrical discharge machining are disclosed. Preferably the electrode face is shaped and subsequently redressed during welding operations at the welding station.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a medical electrical device is presented. An inner diameter and an outer diameter of a connector ring is machined to form a first and a second flange extending from the inner diameter. An electric discharge machining wire burner is used to form a conductor channel in the inner diameter of the connector ring. A conductor is positioned within the conductor channel. A first distal end of the first flange is coupled to a second distal end of the second flange.

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: Spark-erosion machining method and machine implementing a machining gap, a process regulator, a numerical control system, a Nominal Trajectory. The latter describes the movement of the tool electrode relative to the part as it ought to proceed if no disturbance were to occur during the machining. Information contained in the Nominal Trajectory is used to define at least two control vectors Vg, Vp which orient, within the coordinate system XYZ, two independent regulation movements. The first, or Gap Vector Vg, defines the direction in which a first regulation movement of the axes of the machine must be performed to maintain the removal of material. The second, or Position Vector Vp, defines the direction in which a second regulation movement of the axes of the machining machine must be performed to correct a tool electrode position error. The respective amplitudes of the regulation movements are calculated in real time by the process regulator.

Abstract: A gradation twin-wire EDM manufacturing system includes a manufacture machine, a wire feeding bobbin set mounted on the manufacture machine, a wire receiving bobbin set mounted on the manufacture machine, a gradation electro-insulated roller mounted on the manufacturing machine, two wires detoured around the wire feeding bobbin set, the gradation electro-insulated roller and the wire receiving bobbin set, a RC electro discharge circuit connected to one wire, and a transistor RC electro discharge circuit connected to another wire. Therefore, only one manufacture process is needed for a quick manufacture of a workpiece, and thus saving the manufacturing time and enhancing the efficiency.

Abstract: An electrode for machining a pattern in a workpiece has a conductive body with a lattice of closed cells and a plurality of open cells. The open cells are positioned at an edge of the lattice of closed cells. The closed cells are defined by interconnected webs, and the open cells are defined by fins extending from the interconnected webs. A thickness of the fins is less than a thickness of the webs. In use, the electrode is positioned at a plurality of locations on the workpiece, such that a position of the fins of the electrode at each location overlaps a position of the fins of the electrode at an adjacent location. The pattern is formed at each of the plurality of locations by passing electrical charges repeatedly between the electrode and the workpiece and advancing the electrode into the workpiece.

Abstract: A process for preparing the cutting edge of a cutting tool having a rake face and a clearance face. The process comprises the elimination of material from the cutting edge by providing a series of rapidly recurring electrical spark discharges in a gap located between the tool edge and a counterface. The spark discharges vaporize and melt the tool edge to form a desired radius.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument eliminates the need for conventional flutes by employing a tapered tip having an axially extending relief surface such as a flat permitting the passage of liquid and the ejection of debris from the tooth. In one embodiment, an abrasive surface of the tapered tip is produced by electrical discharge machining which provides randomly arrayed microscopic pits directly in the metallic surface of the instrument.

Abstract: Enclosures for implantable medical devices are machined from biocompatible materials using processes such as electric discharge machining and/or milling. Material is machined to create an enclosure. The enclosure may include an enclosure sleeve that has top and bottom caps added where the enclosure sleeve is machined either as a whole or as two separate halves that are subsequently joined together. During construction, circuitry is installed and where the enclosure includes an enclosure sleeve, the open top and bottom may be closed by caps while a connector block module may be mounted to the complete enclosure. The machining process allows materials that are typically difficult to stamp, such as grade 5 and 9 titanium and 811 titanium, that are beneficial to telemetry and recharging features of an implantable medical device to be used while allowing for an enclosure with a relatively detailed geometry and relatively tight tolerances.

Abstract: An electrochemical discharge machining device includes a base, a sensor disposed on the base, a shaft rotatably disposed on the base, an electrode disposed at one end of the shaft and contacting with a work piece, an isolating element disposed between the sensor and the shaft, and a control module connected to the sensor. Current flows to the electrode via the shaft to machine the work piece, and the force exerted on the electrode by the work piece is transmitted via the shaft and the isolating element to the sensor converting the force into a signal sent to the control module for raising or lowering the base to maintain contact between the electrode and the work piece. The sensor serves as a detecting mechanism to ensure appropriate contact between the electrode and the work piece.

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.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for insertion into a capsular bag in order to focus incoming light toward a retina and process for manufacturing thereof along with concomitant reduced glare and improved vision provides for a center lens portion of a lens for focusing incoming light toward the retina and the surrounding lens portion for mounting the lens within the capsular bag. A surface roughness disposed on the surrounding lens portion is provided for reducing the glare due to non-focused light directed toward the retina from the intraocular lens with the roughness having a roughness level of between about Ra 45 and about Ra 350.

Abstract: Described herein are casting and molding methods useful for making microstructured objects. By including a plurality of microfeatures on the surface of an object, other characteristics may be imparted to the object, such as increased hydrophobicity. Some of the casting and molding methods described herein further allow for manufacture of objects having both microfeatures and macro features, for example microfeatures on or within macro features or selected macro feature regions.

Abstract: A worm wheel is provided in which a step is not formed near a tooth face meshing with a worm, and noise does not easily occur during power transmission. A worm wheel 1 includes a circular arc-shaped tooth section 5 that is a portion meshing with a worm 101 and configuring a circular tube worm gear, and a helical tooth section 4 that is connected to one end side of the circular arc-shaped tooth section 5. An angle of torsion at an arbitrary reference point 14 in a tooth depth direction of a tooth 3 on a boundary 7 between the circular arc-shaped tooth section 5 and the helical tooth section 4 is equal to an angle of torsion at a second reference point 15 corresponding to the first reference point 14 in the tooth depth direction of the tooth 3 in a diameter portion P0 of a throat of the circular arc-shaped section 5. As a result, a step is not formed on a tooth face on the boundary 7 between the circular arc-shaped tooth section 5 and the helical tooth section 4.

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: What disclosed is to form an abrasive coating having abrasiveness at a blade pressure side of a deposition layer using a second electrode composed of a second molded body molded from a mixed powder including a powder of a metal and a powder of a ceramic or the second electrode processed with a heat treatment, generating pulsing electric discharges between the blade pressure side of the deposition layer and the second electrode in an electrically insulating liquid or gas, and welding a material of the second electrode or a reacting substance of the material of the second electrode on the blade pressure side of the deposition layer by means of energy of the electric discharges.

Abstract: A static mixing device is described, comprising a flow channel and mixing elements which are distributed over the cross section of the flow channel in the form of flow bodies arranged on a wall extending in the direction of flow and which are each delimited by one tapering deflecting surface which is inclined in relation to the wall and originates from a base extending transversally to the direction of flow and by two guide surfaces which protrude from the wall and which converge in an edge extending transversally to the channel axis on the side of the flow bodies which is opposite of the base.

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 molten residual layer formed on a surface 26 of an electric-discharge machined portion 12 of a metal molding member 1 is eliminated by using a tool 70 made by a wire discharge grinding method. According to the wire discharge grinding method, a minute tool which is high in processing accuracy and high in hardness can be obtained. Since the molten residual layer formed on a surface 26 of the portion 12 due to the electric-discharge machining is eliminated by using the tool, the molten residual layer can be eliminated uniformly with high accuracy.

Abstract: A method of securing an workpiece for machining the trailing edge. The workpiece has a platform from which extends an airfoil, the airfoil including a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a pressure side and a suction side. A fixture with at least one locating datum that relates to the platform and at least one locating datum that relates to the leading edge is provided. The fixture does not contact the trailing edge of the workpiece. The workpiece is positioned so that the platform is against the related locating datum and the leading edge is against the related locating datum. The workpiece is secured within the fixture, and the trailing edge of the workpiece is machined.

Abstract: Processing of components such as turbine blades for gas turbine engines requires formation of holes and other shaping. It is known to use electrical discharge machining processes to produce such holes and apertures in work pieces. Removal of debris is important to avoid short circuiting and/or arcing and to allow rapid processing. Utilisation of high pressure dielectric fluid flow reduces debris build up but can still result in short circuit switching or interrupt continuous processing. By provision of vibration and in particular ultrasonic vibration cavitation is induced within the pressurised dielectric fluid flow to enhance debris removal and therefore improve continuous machining processes.

Abstract: Target fluid is made into electrolyte solution when measured fluid-quality value is lower than a first condition value, by substituting an impurity anion contained in the target fluid with a predetermined anion and substituting an impurity cation contained in the target fluid with a predetermined cation, and purified when the fluid-quality value is higher than a second condition value. The above procedures are repeated, so that the fluid-quality value of the target fluid falls within a predetermined range, to make the target fluid into electrolyte solution with a correlation between pH and conductivity.

Abstract: A sinker electric discharge machining apparatus for machining a workpiece by generating electric discharge in a work gap by applying a voltage having an OFF time, may include a discriminator for generating a first signal representing an abnormal state of the work gap, and a second signal representing a normal state of the work gap; and a pulse controller, in which a first extension factor and a second extension factor that is smaller than the first extension factor are set and a first reduction factor and a second reduction factor that is smaller than the first reduction factor are set. The pulse controller extends the OFF time using either the first or the second extension factor if the first signal is received. The pulse controller reduces the OFF time using either the first or the second reduction factor if the second signal is received.

Abstract: A method of evaluating an electrode for discharge surface treatment for generating a discharge between the electrode and a workpiece in a treatment liquid or in the air using a green compact obtained by molding a metal, metal compound, or ceramic powder or other green compact obtained by heating the green compact as the electrode, and forming a coat consisting of an electrode material or a substance obtained by a reaction of the electrode material by a discharge energy on a surface of the workpiece, includes evaluating a capability of the electrode to deposit the coat based on an amount of deposition of the electrode material on the surface of the workpiece by a single discharge.

Abstract: Methods of recycling excess semiconductor material removed from an unshaped semiconductor boule are disclosed. Excess semiconductor material is cut from an semiconductor unshaped boule thereby generating a shaped semiconductor boule. The excess semiconductor material is removed in the form of large pieces that can easily be cleaned and retrieved for reuse.

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 for controlling a wire electric discharge machine comprising the steps of: determining of at least one predefined contour deviation (Esmax) of a predefined contour to be cut into the workpiece; determining a curvature of at least one geometry element defining at least one section of the contour to be cut into the workpiece; calculating a displacement (s) of an upper guide (WGU) and a lower wire guide (WGL) based on the predefined contour deviation (Esmax) and on the curvature of the at least one predefined geometry element; and setting the displacement (s) by moving the upper guide (WGU) relative to the lower wire guide (WGL) such that the wire electrode guided by the upper (WGU) and lower wire guides (WGL) is inclined in a current cutting direction of the workpiece during cutting of the geometry element into the workpiece.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a machine housing having a fluid chamber (14) with a hardening layer (16) on an internal wall surface, in which the hardening layer (16) is made of a material, that, per-se, is not electrically conductive but has been made conductive by additives, and in that the surface of the hardening layer (16) is machined by electro-discharge machining.

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: 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: A Tandem-type micro electro-discharge machining (EDM) apparatus comprises a EDM machining stage, a gradation twin-wire EDM device, an electrode tool, a workpiece, and a resistor-capacitor (RC) EDM circuit. The gradation twin-wire EDM device further comprises a wire supply reel unit, a wire take-up reel unit, a stepped insulating roller, a twin-wire conductor unit, and a discharge circuit unit. With the design of the gradation twin-wire EDM device, only one single EDM procedure is needed to simultaneously perform rough EDM and finish EDM processes together on the electrode tool to form a required micro electrode tool, which can be immediately used to perform micro-hole EDM or scanning EDM on the workpiece. Therefore, the Tandem-micro EDM apparatus of the present invention can be functioned automatically to achieve mass production of micro holes EDM and reduce machining time and improve machining efficiency and product's quality.

Abstract: Arrangements and methods for connecting and mounting decorative ornaments, for example, beads, crystals, or gems, are disclosed. The arrangements and methods are particularly useful in mounting ornaments in decorative fixtures, such as chandeliers. In one aspect, an arrangement is provided that includes a first ornament having two mounting apertures and a second ornament having at least one mounting aperture; and at least one connector for connecting the first ornament to the second ornament whereby when hung the two apertures of the first ornament are laterally disposed from each other. Multiple pre-formed connectors are disclosed for use in connecting ornaments, such as ornament chains. Mounting hooks, mounting devices, and mounting arrangements are also provided for attaching ornaments to a support, for instance, mounting devices fabricated from thin plate, for example, by laser cutting.

Abstract: A molten residual layer formed on a surface 26 of an electric-discharge machined portion 12 of a metal molding member 1 is eliminated by using a tool 70 made by a wire discharge grinding method. According to the wire discharge grinding method, a minute tool which high in processing accuracy and high in hardness can be obtained. Since the molten residual layer formed on a surface 26 of the portion 12 due to the electric-discharge machining is eliminated by using the tool, the molten residual layer can be eliminated uniformly with high accuracy.

Abstract: A machining fluid is provided. A machining fluid for one of an electrical discharge machining process and an electrical discharge machining-polishing process, comprising a polymolecular powder, a hard particle and a carrier liquid, wherein a concentration of the polymolecular powder is lower than 500 g/L.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing a precision clockplate with rotational bearing surfaces (e.g. pivot pins). The methods comprise providing an electrically conductive blank, conventionally machining oversize features comprising bearing surfaces into the blank, optionally machining of a relief on non-bearing surfaces, providing wire accesses adjacent to bearing surfaces, threading the wire of an electrical discharge machine through the accesses and finishing the bearing surfaces by wire electrical discharge machining. The methods have been shown to produce bearing surfaces of comparable dimension and tolerances as those produced by micro-machining methods such as LIGA, at reduced cost and complexity.

Abstract: Microneedle arrays and drug delivery devices are provided for transdermally delivering a drug formulation to a patient. The microneedle array device includes a substantially planar substrate having an array of apertures; and a plurality of microneedles projecting at angle from the planar substrate, the microneedles having a base portion integrally connected to the substrate, a tip end portion distal to the base portion, and body portion therebetween, wherein each microneedle has at least one channel extending substantially from the base portion through at least a part of the body portion, the channel being open along at least part of the body portion and in fluid communication with at least one of the apertures in the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, each microneedle has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and the channel is open to two opposing surfaces of the microneedle.