Abstract: An electrode clamping system for an EDM-sinking system provides a two-sided dielectric fluid supply to a clamped electrode by placing supply channels in both the fixed and movable parts of the electrode clamping holder. An automatic control circuit controls the flow of the dielectric fluid with reference to a contamination particle concentration in the gap between the electrode and the workpiece, and automatically reduces the flow to a value at which electrode vibrations disappear when changing from rough machining to fine machining.

Abstract: The electrode clamping system for an EDM-sinking machine according to the present invention includes an electrode clamping holder of adjustable size and a dielectric flow control circuit. The system enables flushing both sides of the electrode through the adjustable holder.

Abstract: A pair of electrodes are spaced from one another so as to define a gap. One of the electrodes constitutes a workpiece to be machined and the other electrode constitutes a machining tool. To machine the workpiece, groups of electrical discharges are generated between the electrodes. The different groups are separated by pauses which are free of discharges, and the electrical resistance of the electrode gap is measured during the pauses. When the resistance decreases to a critical value, the lengths of the pauses and the spacing between the electrodes are increased until the resistance begins to increase from the critical value. Electrical discharge activity is continued during this time. In the event that these measures fail to cause an increase in the resistance so that the critical value is obtained during several pauses, the electrical discharges are stopped and the machining electrode is abruptly shifted away from the workpiece electrode.