Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices that has a surface configured to promote the migration of cells onto the surface of the medical device. In particular, the surface of the medical device has a noncontiguous pattern of topographical features formed therein or thereon.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a ram extending in a longitudinal direction and being disposed horizontally, a processing head attached to the ram, a tower connected to the ram in a state of upwardly standing at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction of the ram and having an adjustable height, a front arm connected to a front portion of the ram, and a rear arm connected to a rear portion of the ram. The tower includes a base portion fixed to the ram, an arm connection portion connecting the front arm and the rear arm, and a jack-up bolt. The jack-up bolt is in contact with one of the base portion and the arm connection portion in a vertical direction, and threadingly engaged to the other one of the base portion and the arm connection portion. The jack-up bolt pushes the arm connection portion upwardly by screwing or unscrewing.

Abstract: A plasma-generating device including: a pair of electrodes; a pair of holders configured to hold ends of the pair of electrodes in a protruding state; and a casing in which is formed a first recess and that is configured to combine with the pair of holders in a state with the ends of the pair of electrodes that protrude from the pair of holders inserted into the first recess, wherein the combined casing and the pair of holders contact each other only at an opposite side to a side between the ends of the pair of electrodes that project from the pair of holders.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a jointed device of a medical instrument includes providing a machining fixture on a wire electrical discharge machine having an electrical discharge wire. The fixture includes member holes each adapted to accommodate at least one workpiece, the workpiece being adapted to form a portion of the jointed device of the medical instrument. At least two workpieces each include a first workpiece and a second workpiece, accommodated within at least two member holes of the member holes. The fixture is associated with the wire electrical discharge machine so that the electrical discharge wire can cut at most one workpiece at a time. The machining fixture is rotated around a fixture rotation axis at a predetermined angle, which is chosen to provide that the electrical discharge wire can cut only one workpiece at a time. The workpieces are cut by the electrical discharge wire.

Abstract: Plasma generating apparatus includes a pair of electrodes configured to generate plasma by discharge, a first supply path configured to supply processing gas along an outer periphery of each of the pair of electrodes, a second supply path configured to supply processing gas between the pair of electrodes, and a suction path configured to suck the processing gas supplied along an outer peripheral surface of each of the pair of electrodes via the first supply path.

Abstract: To provide an electrode wire for electrical discharge machining including ?-brass and ?-brass arranged on an outer peripheral surface of a core and a method of manufacturing the electrode wire, capable of enhancing wire connection performance and cutting down manufacturing cost while trying to increase a processing speed. The electrode wire for electrical discharge machining according to this invention comprises: an external layer including ?-brass and ?-brass; and a core having an undulating shape formed at a boundary surface with the external layer. The ?-brass and the ?-brass are arranged densely and sparsely at the boundary surface of the undulating shape.

Abstract: To keep an electrode guide from interfering with an object such as a workpiece during the workpiece processing period, in the present invention, a path-generating device of an electrical discharge machine that is provided with an electrode guide for supporting a rod-shaped electrode is configured so as to be equipped with: a shape data-reading unit for reading the initial shape of the workpiece prior to processing and a target shape of the workpiece; an electrode-path-generating section or generating an electrode path for moving the electrode laterally on the basis of the target shape of the workpiece; and a guide path-generating section for generating an electrode guide path, which avoids interference between the electrode guide and the workpiece, on the basis of the initial shape of the workpiece.

Abstract: To provide a monitoring device, a machine tool, and a monitoring system capable of collecting data efficiently required for examining an alarm. A monitoring device is connected to multiple machine tools through a network. The monitoring device comprises: a monitoring unit that monitors the occurrence of an alarm in the machine tools; an acquisition unit that acquires a set of measurement target data items responsive to an alarm from a database on the occurrence of the alarm; and a collection unit that sets the set of measurement target data items in the multiple machine tools, and collects data measured by following the setting.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining electrode wire includes a core including a copper or a copper alloy, and a covering layer that covers a periphery of the core and includes a zinc. The covering layer includes an outermost layer consisting of an ?-phase of a copper-zinc based alloy. The outermost layer has a Cu concentration of 12 to 20 mass % and a variation range within 5 mass % in the Cu concentration in a longitudinal direction of the electrode wire.

Abstract: A portable and transportable die cavity modifying machine having a base carrying a carriage adjustable along one axis, e.g., a generally horizontal axis, and a machining head adjustable along another axis, e.g., a generally vertical axis, for modifying a die cavity of a stamping die in a manner that prevents blank or slug pulling during stamping press operation. The machine includes a stop that is adjustably connected to the carriage. The stop is configured to limit movement of the machining head along the generally vertical axis. The machine may also feature a vibration isolator that is used with the stop to prevent noise and vibration that result from movement of the machining head in relation to the stop. Additionally, the machine may include an optical device capable of capturing an image of the die cavity defining sidewall as the rotary grinding bit machines the elongate slug retention groove.

Abstract: A jet pump measuring pipe repair method that repairs a ruptured part of a measuring pipe horizontally installed to a lower portion of a jet pump provided in reactor water inside a reactor pressure vessel. The repair method includes: fixing a support member to the jet pump near the measuring pipe left remained; mounting, after the support member fixing, a measuring pipe connector provided with a pipe-repairing pipe having both ends over which connecting pipes are fitted, respectively, to the support member; connecting, after the connector mounting, the remaining measuring pipe and connecting pipe using the measuring pipe connector.

Abstract: A grip unit including holding units in each of which an upper plate is placed on a lower plate to form a V-shaped groove, a grip unit control device that can change a distance between the holding unit in a range between a distance equal to or longer than a diameter of an electrode holder with an electrode feeding mechanism and a distance equal to a diameter of an electrode, a grip unit control device moving-shaft motor that can change a height of the grip unit in a range between a height at which the holding unit are placed lower than an electrode holder brim of an electrode holder having an electrode feeding mechanism attached to an electric holder gripping device and a height to which the holding units lift up the electrode holder brim of the electrode holder having an electrode feeding mechanism attached to the electric holder gripping device, and an electrode gripping device that can grip the electrode on a lower side of the grip unit are included.

Abstract: An electro discharge machining system, and manufacturing method therefor, including: providing an electro discharge machining unit and control; providing a workpiece holder; providing a tool holder for a tool having an electrode array; and operatively connecting the workpiece holder and the tool holder to the electro discharge machining unit and control for batch electro-discharge machining of a workpiece to a configuration compatible with the electrode array.

Abstract: A portable and transportable die cavity modifying machine having a base carrying a carriage adjustable along one axis, e.g., a generally horizontal axis, and a machining head adjustable along another axis, e.g., a generally vertical axis, for modifying a die cavity of a stamping die in a manner that prevents blank or slug pulling during stamping press operation. The machine includes a grinder that can be pneumatically powered having a grinding bit used to precisely machine a slug retention groove in a die cavity defining surface (sidewall) of a die cavity formed in a stamping die. The machine has an angularly adjustable head carrying the grinder enabling adjustment of the angle of the groove relative to die cavity defining surface enabling the groove to be angled relative to the direction of a punch entering the die cavity during stamping.

Abstract: A low-boron-oxygen cutting line for one-way wire winding and a manufacturing method are provided. A core material comprises 55-65 wt % of copper, 0.001-0.03 wt % of boron, 0.05-1.0 wt % of other elements which are at least two of titanium, iron, silicon, nickel, manganese, aluminum, tin, phosphorus and rare earth, less than 0.5 wt % of inevitable impurity elements, and an allowance of zinc; and a surface comprises 35.0-45.0 wt % of copper, 0.001-3.0 wt % of oxygen, 0.0005-0.5 wt % of other elements, at least two of which are titanium, iron, silicon, nickel, manganese, aluminum, tin, phosphorus and rare earth, less than 0.5 wt % of inevitable impurity elements, and an allowance of zinc. The cutting line has improved mechanical properties and strengthened discharge properties, and can cut irregularly shaped materials or those hollowed in the middle.

Abstract: The invention discloses a high-precision zinc-based alloy electrode wire, the external shell thereof consisting of: Zn: 70.5-95%; Cu: 2.5-27%; X: 0.02-4.0%; Y: 0.002-0.4%, and unavoidable impurities; where, X refers to any two kinds of metals selected from Ni, Ag, Cr, Si and Zr, and the weight percentage of each of these two kinds of metals is 0.01-2.0%; and Y refers to any two kinds of metals selected from Ti, Al, Co, B, and P, and the weight percentage of each of these two kinds of metals is 0.001-0.2%; the ?-phase in a metallurgical structure of the external shell is above 80 wt %. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing the electrode wire, which has high surface smoothness of the cut metal workpieces to improve the cutting precision. The method has simple process, high maneuverability, less steps, so as to facilitate large-scale and automated production.

Abstract: A relationship between a weight of a reel supported by a column of a wire electric discharge machine when a wire electrode is wound around the reel, and an amount of slanting of the wire electrode when the wire electrode extended between an upper wire guide and a lower wire guide becomes slanted as a result of the column being deformed by the weight of the reel is stored. The weight of the reel is determined during electric discharge machining, and the amount of slanting of the extended wire electrode is determined from the weight of the reel. A compensation amount for the slanting of the wire electrode is determined from the amount of slanting, and the slanting of the wire electrode is compensated by the compensation amount.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an injector body includes a) machining a metal blank to desired outer dimensions of the injector body; b) machining the metal blank along a first axis to define a spray hole within the metal blank; and c) machining the metal blank along a second axis to define an internal cavity in fluid communication with the spray hole.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a quick connect interface for a surgical instrument includes a body having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an inner cavity. One or more ball bearings are disposed in respective holes in the body. A locking pin is disposed on a ramp formed in the body. A sleeve surrounds a portion of the body and is slideable along the body, from an unlocked position to a locked position. The sleeve includes a camming ramp that urges the one or more ball bearings to partially extend through the holes into the inner cavity. One or more springs are arranged to urge the locking pin down the ramp, so that the locking pin partially extends through an opening into the inner cavity. The one or more ball bearings and the locking pin are positioned to urge the shaft to one side of the inner cavity.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine including a lower support part (2) provided to a tilt shaft (4) rotatable and extending horizontally and an upper support part (3) provided to a forward/backward shaft (5) extending parallel to the tilt shaft (4) from a support column (42) provided vertically to the tilt shaft (4) and movable forward and backward in the extending direction. The lower support part (2) includes a lower guide roller (21) that rotates in a tilting plane in which the tilt shaft (4), the support column (42), and the forward/backward shaft (5) lie, the upper support part (5) includes an upper guide roller (31) that rotates in the tilting plane in which the tilt shaft (4), the support column (42), and the forward/backward shaft (5) lie, and a wire electrode (1) is suspended around the upper guide roller (31) and the lower guide roller (21).

Abstract: A method for fixing the position at least one axis of a manipulator, in particular of a robot, includes closuring a mechanical brake of the axis, deactivating an actuator of the axis with a motion controller, monitoring the mechanical brake, and activating the actuator with the motion controller if a monitoring system identifies a fault condition of the mechanical brake.

Abstract: A work tank of an electric discharge machining device can manually move up and down, open and close, and lock and unlock a door without using any mechanical components. The work tank includes: a box-shaped tank body having an open front surface and an openable and closable door; a pair of handle bars that are placed right and left of the tank body; a handle that is installed between front end parts of the pair of handle bars; a pair of door stays that are placed at right and left of the tank body; a guide rail that moves up and down the door stay hung from the handle bar; a load receiving unit that supports a load of the door stay; and a stopper that restricts downward rotation and a frontward movement of the handle bar at a predetermined rotation position.

Abstract: A method of forming a textured surface on the inner surface of a sheath is provided. The sheath may be used in a delivery system to restrain a self-expanding medical implant in a compressed state. In the method, a sleeve is squeezed against a textured pattern on a mandrel to form a textured surface on the inner surface of the mandrel. The diameter of the mandrel is then contracted before the mandrel is removed from the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for use with an electrode and a CNC machine tool. The apparatus includes a holder configured to hold the electrode in a position projecting outward from the holder, and a pull stud configured to mount the holder on the CNC machine tool. The apparatus further includes a driving mechanism that is operative to provide a motive force, and a coupling configured to couple the holder with the driving mechanism when the holder is not mounted on the CNC machine tool. The holder is configured to transmit the motive force from the coupling to the electrode in the holder to move the electrode outward of the holder.

Abstract: A door for attachment on the front of a machining tank of an electric discharge machine includes a door frame and first and second lifting doors that move up and down with respect to the door frame. When the first lifting door is lifted, pulleys attached on the first lifting door also move up, causing a belt wound around the pulleys and fixed to the door frame via a first belt-attaching member to rotate. As a result, the second lifting door, fixed to the belt via a second belt-attaching member, moves up with respect to the first lifting door.

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 a compression coil spring (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 a compression coil spring toward their closed positions.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of making a component for a golf club by shaping a workpiece by a first process and also shaping the workpiece by a second process that includes electrical discharge machining. A first process such as forging or casting can shape the gross morphology of the workpiece and material can be removed by the second process to form desired features or textures. In certain aspects, the invention provides a golf club head with a club head body having a face, a sole, a toe, a heel, and a hosel extending upwards from a heel-side of the club head body when the club head is at address. A part of the club head body is formed by the first process, with material having been removed from the part by the second process.

Abstract: A workpiece mounting table (20) for an electric discharge machine, which machines a workpiece (12) by discharging electricity between an electrode and the workpiece (12) in an interior of a work tank (6) and removing a surface of the workpiece (12), includes a surface-plate mounting table (3) made of a conductive material and arranged at the bottom of the work tank (6), a plurality of insulating materials (2), each of which has a flat shape and is arranged and fixed on the surface-plate mounting table (3) with a gap (4) between the insulating materials (2) to constitute an insulating flat plate (30), and a surface plate (1) made of a metal material, fixed on the insulating flat plate (30) and insulated from the surface-plate mounting table (3) by the insulating flat plate (30), for fixing thereon the workpiece (12).

Abstract: A plurality of plate-like workpieces held by a workpiece holder are subjected to discharge machining by a wire electric discharge machine. The workpiece holder includes a cylindrical member in which the plurality of plate-like workpieces are housed in a stacked state, lid members placed on upper and lower ends of the plate-like workpieces housed in the cylindrical member so as to press the plate-like workpieces, and a workpiece stage mount member having an insertion hole in which the cylindrical member is inserted and housed. Concave sections are formed in positions corresponding to a machining start point and a machining end point on an inner circumference surface of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a part formed from a sheet metal panel that has a predetermined area that requires reinforcement by forming a grid pattern of V-shaped channels in the predetermined area. The grid pattern may be formed by wire electrodes in an electro-hydraulic forming tool having a one-sided die. Alternatively, the grid pattern may be formed by a plurality of electrodes that are arranged in an array that is aligned in at least two directions on the opposite side of the part from the one-sided die.

Abstract: A triaxial driving device for electrodischarge machine tools having a three-liners-axes mechanism and an electrode tool and has a connecting mount, a first axial rotator, a base, a supporting arm, a second axial rotator, a third axial rotator and an electrode holder. The connecting mount is connected securely to the three-liners-axes mechanism. The first axial rotator is mounted in the connecting mount and has a rotating head. The base is connected securely to the rotating head of the first axial rotator and has a space. The supporting arm is rotatably mounted in the space of the base and has a connecting frame. The second axial rotator is securely connected to the base and the supporting arm and has a rotating head. The third axial rotator is connected to the supporting arm and has a rotating head. The electrode holder is connected to the third axial rotator and the electrode tool.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a bed, an electric-discharge machining unit that is mounted on the bed and constitutes a machine main body, a frame that has a mounting surface and is fixed to a side surface of the bed, machining fluid tanks that are used when the electric-discharge machining unit is operated to performs a machining work, and are set to the first state where these tanks are above the frame and separated from the mounting surface so as to be self-supported, or to the second state where these tanks are mounted on the mounting surface, and a transport fixing tool that is removed when the machining fluid tanks are set to the first state, and is attached when the machine main body and the machining fluid tanks are set to the second state.

Abstract: A hole expanding device includes an electric heating device, a moving device, an rotating device, and a carrying device. The electric heating device includes a transition portion and a hole expanding rod fixed onto the transition portion. The electric heating device heats the hole expanding rod to a predetermined temperature. The rotating device is fixed onto the moving device. The moving device drives the rotating device to move along a direction parallel to the hole expanding rod. The carrying device is fixed onto the rotating device and includes a receiving groove for receiving and fixing a workpiece. The rotating device rotates the carrying device to make two opposite surfaces of the workpiece face the hole expanding rod.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a bed, an electric-discharge machining unit that is mounted on the bed and constitutes a machine main body, a frame that has a mounting surface and is fixed to a side surface of the bed, machining fluid tanks that are used when the electric-discharge machining unit is operated to performs a machining work, and are set to the first state where these tanks are above the frame and separated from the mounting surface so as to be self-supported, or to the second state where these tanks are mounted on the mounting surface, and a transport fixing tool that is removed when the machining fluid tanks are set to the first state, and is attached when the machine main body and the machining fluid tanks are set to the second state.

Abstract: A workpiece mounting table (20) for an electric discharge machine, which machines a workpiece (12) by discharging electricity between an electrode and the workpiece (12) in an interior of a work tank (6) and removing a surface of the workpiece (12), includes a surface-plate mounting table (3) made of a conductive material and arranged at the bottom of the work tank (6), a plurality of insulating materials (2), each of which has a flat shape and is arranged and fixed on the surface-plate mounting table (3) with a gap (4) between the insulating materials (2) to constitute an insulating flat plate (30), and a surface plate (1) made of a metal material, fixed on the insulating flat plate (30) and insulated from the surface-plate mounting table (3) by the insulating flat plate (30), for fixing thereon the workpiece (12).

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices for the production of micro-structured substrates and their application in natural sciences and technology, in particular in analysis and detection systems based on artificial and biological lipid membranes. The structure is preferably a hole or a cavity or channel and is obtained by spark perforation. Energy, preferably heat, is applied to the region to be structured so as to reduce the amplitude of voltage required and/or soften the material. The electrical parameters of the spark perforation are feedback-controlled.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a small-hole electrical discharge machining device to discharge the machining debris efficiently and to drill a small hole by electrical discharge machining at a high speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for machining a part by micro-electrical discharge machining, said machine comprising a mechanism (44, 45, 46, 48) for modifying the configuration of the machine so as to alternatively and reversibly switch from a machining configuration to a sharpening configuration in which the tip of a same etching electrode (20) and another electrode (64) are dipped in an electrolyte bath in order to sharpen the tip of the etching electrode by electrochemnical corrosion.

Abstract: The present invention includes a post-cooling temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the machining fluid immediately after being cooled by a cooling device as a post-cooling fluid temperature, and an intra-tank temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the machining fluid in a work tank as an intra-tank fluid temperature, for a cooling control device that controls a fluid temperature of the machining fluid in a wire electric discharge machining apparatus, and the cooling control device has a first temperature-feedback control unit that feeds back the post-cooling fluid temperature into a cooling instruction value as an instruction value for the cooling device, and a second temperature-feedback control unit adjusts the cooling instruction value by feeding back the intra-tank fluid temperature to cause the intra-tank fluid temperature to follow a target temperature.

Abstract: When machining of a workpiece is started in a wire electric discharge machine, before a voltage is applied between a wire electrode and the workpiece (a machining gap), practicable shaft feed control systems are discriminated on the basis of machining conditions set in advance. According to the discrimination, running into an inability state of continuity of machining and an accuracy failure after machining are prevented beforehand.

Abstract: In a data collection system for electric discharge machines, multiple electric discharge machines are connected with a computer over a data transmission path. Information on machining conditions of an electric discharge machine is stored in a storage unit of the electric discharge machine, and information sent from the electric discharge machine after completion of machining is collected by the computer. By minimizing monitoring information that is temporarily stored in the storage unit, various kinds of monitoring information can be stored without being affected by a network environment.

Abstract: Variable length flush nozzles for wire electric discharge machining (wire EDM) are provided. The variable length flush nozzle comprises an elongated body having an internal channel and a nozzle head having a pair of opposed slots formed therein. The nozzle head is coupled to the elongated body by a retention element dimensioned and configured for operative engagement with the pair of opposed slots such that the nozzle head is slidable relative to the elongated body between a fully extended position in which the variable length flush nozzle is at a maximum length and a fully retracted position in which the variable length flush nozzle is at a minimum length.

Abstract: A reusable template for simultaneously forming a plurality of cooling passages in a component for use in a turbine engine includes a first surface defining an electrode entry surface, a second surface opposed from the first surface and defining a component mating surface, and a plurality of electrode passages pre-formed in the template and extending from the first surface to the second surface. The second surface of the template has a shape that corresponds to an outer surface of the component such that the template is capable of being snugly positioned against the outer surface of the component. During an electro-discharge machining operation, a plurality of electrodes are simultaneously inserted through the pre-formed electrode passages in the template and into the component while supplying an electric current to the electrodes to remove material from the component so as to form the cooling passages therein.

Abstract: An electric discharge machining process, an article for electric discharge machining, and an electrically-conductive electric discharge machining coolant are disclosed. The electric discharge machining process includes electric discharge machining a target region of a component. The article includes a non-electrically-conductive layer, an electrically-conductive layer, and a target region on the non-electrically-conductive layer. The electrically-conductive electric discharge machining coolant includes a hydrocarbon liquid and carbon powder suspended within the hydrocarbon liquid.

Abstract: A wire electric discharge machining apparatus is provided to equip with an automatic wire threader more reliably threading a wire electrode through an start hole. The wire electric discharge machining apparatus includes an automatic wire threader including: a feed roller disposed higher than the start hole and feeding a wire electrode toward the start hole; and a vertical drive device disposed between the feed roller and the start hole, and supplying compressed air in the upward and downward directions to vertically move the wire electrode slightly. The vertical drive device includes wire guides having guide holes through which the wire electrode is passed. The wire guides are constructed so that upward movement by the compressed air is possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for machining holes, especially to machine holes in a surface of a coated gas turbine airfoil, which apparatus comprises a laser device for laser drilling and an electrode for electrical discharge machining. Further the invention relates to a method to machine a hole into a coated surface with an apparatus of the incipiently mentioned type. Known methods make use of a machine with separate machine heads for laser drilling and electrical discharge machining. By combining these two devices in one machine head the invention gives the possibility to save time and obtain very accurate results.

Abstract: A machine tool for separative machining of preferably plate-like workpieces, for example, metal sheets, has a workpiece support and a discharge device on the workpiece support. The discharge device discharges workpiece parts produced as products of the separative machining. The discharge device includes two opening sections are adjustable relative to one another in the horizontal Y direction to form a through-opening for discharge of workpiece parts. The opening sections are adjustable into different positions relative to one another in the horizontal Y direction, to form through-openings of different widths for discharge of workpiece parts.

Abstract: A work tank of an electric discharge machining device can manually move up and down, open and close, and lock and unlock a door without using any mechanical components. The work tank includes: a box-shaped tank body having an open front surface and an openable and closable door; a pair of handle bars that are placed right and left of the tank body; a handle that is installed between front end parts of the pair of handle bars; a pair of door stays that are placed at right and left of the tank body; a guide rail that moves up and down the door stay hung from the handle bar; a load receiving unit that supports a load of the door stay; and a stopper that restricts downward rotation and a frontward movement of the handle bar at a predetermined rotation position.

Abstract: An example electrical discharge machining electrode assembly includes an electrode base and an electrode coating containing diamond that is electroplated to the electrode base.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining (EDM) system and a method for electrical discharge machining using the above-mentioned machining system, the EDM system includes a bed, and an EDM module disposed on the bed. The EDM module includes an electrode, a providing part, an electrode guide and a retrieving part. The electrode machines a die. The providing part provides the electrode to be used for machining the die. The electrode guide is disposed adjacent to the die and guides a transfer of the electrode. The retrieving part retrieves the electrode used for machining the die.