Abstract: A holder for a workpiece or tool, in the surface of which a plurality of grooves with substantially planar flanks are made, the opposing edges of which, formed on the surface, have a predetermined spacing, wherein the holder consists of a sintered material, at least in the region of the elastically deformable edges.

Abstract: A tool holder for an electric discharge machine has a top base, a securing collar, a positioning sleeve, an adjusting base and a rotating base. The top base has a central hole and an elongated opening communicating with the central hole. The securing collar is screwed into the central hole in the top base and has a central hole with a conical inner surface. The securing collar has multiple holes corresponding to the elongated opening in the top base. A positioning sleeve has a conical outer surface fitting with the conical inner surface in the securing collar. The adjusting base has a main shaft penetrating through the central hole in the positioning sleeve. Consequently, the locked condition of the main shaft is released by means of the rotating the securing collar, such that the adjustment of the tool holder is convenient.

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: 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 method of processing the connecting surfaces between a marine engine frame and an associated bearing support, which parts wholly or partially surround a crankshaft is presented. The bearing support is removed to expose the connecting surface of the engine frame facing towards the bearing support. An auxiliary plane is established which is set-up/extended along the centerline of the crankshaft, and a second line at right-angles to the centerline. In situ processing of the connecting surface of the engine frame is effected at an angle which is a function of the position of the auxiliary plane. It is thus possible to process the connecting surface of the engine frame facing towards the bearing support without the necessity of having to remove the engine frame itself, and to carry out the processing of at least this free connecting surface, while the actual bearing support can be processed in the normal manner.

Abstract: A micro-electro-discharge machining apparatus includes a substrate, a plurality of electrically conductive electrodes on the substrate arranged in an array, and a plurality of electrical interconnect lines formed on the substrate extending to one or more of the electrodes. An electrical power source is connected from one of its terminals through a resistor to each of the interconnect lines and from its other terminal to a workpiece to be machined. The electrodes connected to different interconnect lines may charge and discharge independently of each other, speeding up the machining process. An interconnect line may extend individually to each electrode so that all of the electrodes can charge and discharge independently of the others. The capacitor that is charged to produce the discharge voltage may be a separate discrete capacitor or a conductive substrate.

Abstract: A clamping chuck having a central receptacle and a disk arranged around the receptacle and which may be moved from a clamping position, whereby a draw bar inserted into the receptacle is clamped, to a releasing position wherein a draw bar is released from being clamped. The disk has a locking mechanism including a plurality of locking elements which are equally spaced in a circumferential direction. The draw bar is coupled to a brake such that the braking force of the brake is proportional to a pull on the draw bar. Thus, a high axial load on the draw bar causes a high braking force and a low load results in a low braking force.

Abstract: An electric sparking drill and a method for using the same to drill a hole in a workpiece where at least one of a voltage applied to an electrode, the conductivity of a liquid applied between the electrode and the workpiece during drilling, and a gap between the electrode and the workpiece are controlled to create the desired hole in the workpiece. The electric sparking drill and a method for using the same to drill a hole in a workpiece also improve the hole operation and/or the quality of the hole made by operating at the arcing voltage, including a touch stop function, including a sacrificial electrode, and/or including a guide member function.

Abstract: A layered anisotropically conductive element, a resistant element, and a feed element constitute an electrode for discharge machining. The layered anisotropically conductive element includes high conductivity layers and low conductivity layers alternately laminated on each other, the high conductivity layers and the low conductivity layers being made of thin metallic plates coated with an insulating film. The layered anisotropically conductive element has an anisotropic conductivity, in which the conductivity in a direction parallel to the low conductivity layers is much higher than that in a direction perpendicular to the low conductivity layers. The resistant element is connected to one of end surfaces of the layered anisotropically conductive element perpendicular to the layers. The feed element is connected to the resistant element.

Abstract: A chuck used to attach an electrode to a CNC machine or an EDM machine having a quick release mechanism.

Abstract: A discharge surface treatment method with which discharge is caused to occur between an electrode and a workpiece to generate energy to form a coating on a surface of the workpiece, and method therefore. An electrode is made by combining a hard material, such as WC, and a soft material, such as Co. The hard and soft materials are mixed and compressed into a green compact. The green compact is baked in a vacuum furnace at a temperature which is below the sintering temperature but high enough to melt the soft material. The melted soft material fills the gaps between the particles of the hard material, resulting in an electrode having a texture similar to chalk called incomplete-sintering. The electrode is then used in discharge surface treatment.

Abstract: Micro-electro-discharge machining is carried out utilizing a semiconductor array electrode having a substrate with a face surface and electrode protrusions extending from the face surface. The array electrode may be formed by lithographically patterning a semiconductor wafer such as a silicon wafer utilizing lithographic techniques of the type used in semiconductor device processing. The electrode protrusions in the surface of the substrate may be coated with a conducting metal. The electrode is positioned adjacent to a workpiece and a power supply is connected to the electrode and the workpiece to charge a capacitor until discharge takes place between the electrode protrusions and the surface of the workpiece, to electro-discharge-machine the workpiece to replicate the pattern of electrode protrusions into the workpiece.

Abstract: A wire electrode, and a method for making it, for use in spark-erosive cutting having an electrically conducting core essentially absorbing the tensile forces. The wire electrode has furthermore a coating which wears during erosion, which coating consists of two layers. Such a wire electrode is suited for both quick cutting and also for fine cutting of workpieces. The wire electrode has for this purpose an inner layer of the coating, which serves the quick cutting process and consists of an essentially homogenous alloy. Whereas the outer layer of the coating is provided for the fine cutting and has a zinc content of above 80 wt. %, whereby the layer thickness of the outer layer lies at ⅕ of the layer thickness of the remaining coating.

Abstract: A wire electrode for spark erosion cutting of metals, electrically-conducting ceramics etc., comprising either a homogenous centre (1) made of a metal or of a metal alloy, or a composite centre made from a steel core with a coating of copper or copper alloy, wherein the wire electrode comprises at least two sheath coatings made of zinc alloys, with said coatings wearing during erosion. In order to increase performance during high-speed cutting, such a wire electrode comprises an inner sheath coating (2) predominantly comprising &bgr;-brass, and an outer sheath coating (3) predominantly comprising &ggr;-brass, wherein the fraction of &bgr;/&bgr;′-phase or &ggr;-phase in the two sheath coatings is at least 60%. The ratio of the coating thickness of &bgr;-brass to &ggr;-brass is between 0.3 and 7. The sum of the thicknesses of both sheath coatings in relation to the external diameter of the electrode is between 0.1 and 0.3.

Abstract: A method and a device are for controlling multiple machining processes in a die-sink erosion machine with several identical or different electrodes (R1, R2, R3, R4), whereby the machining sequence of the machining processes and the electrode used for each machining process are determined by providing the following criteria: a) predefining priorities of workpieces to be machined, of a group of machining procedures, of individual machining jobs (ARB), of work cycles (AZ) and/or work steps (AS) of a machining job; and/or (b) predefining the life span or wear limit of the electrodes used for the individual machining jobs, work cycles or work steps. The overall machining on the die-sink erosion machine is performed with consideration of the determined machining sequence.

Abstract: Biohazardous needles, in one embodiment, are destroyed by the application of an electrical arc that progressively destroys the needle and seals hollow needles. An elongated electrode that slopes up and away from the needle supports is used to strike and then progressively support the destructive arc. In another embodiment, an electrical arc is used to blunt the sharp end of the needle by melting it and allowing it to solidify into a spherical cap.

Abstract: A wire electrode for machining a piece by electro-erosion includes a metallic core and a cladding having an alloy of manganese and zinc obtained by simultaneous electrolytic deposition at a thickness between 1 and 40 micrometers. The cladding permits a substantial increase of the machining, particularly rough machining, performance, a considerable deformability of the wire, a high resistance to traction and stability of the cladding over time.

Abstract: A holder for a workpiece or tool, in the surface of which a plurality of grooves with substantially planar flanks are made, the opposing edges of which, formed on the surface, have a predetermined spacing, wherein the holder consists of a sintered material, at least in the region of the elastically deformable edges.

Abstract: In the discharge surface treatment method, an electrode having a cylindrical shape and a work are aligned face to face with a predetermined gap therebetween in a machining fluid. The electrode is a green compact electrode formed by compressing metal powder or powder of a metal compound or ceramics powder, or a metal electrode. A hard coat film of the material with which the electrode is made or a reactant of this material is formed on a surface of the work because of the energy generated during the electric discharge.

Abstract: A micro-electro-discharge machining apparatus includes a substrate, a plurality of electrically conductive electrodes on the substrate arranged in an array, and a plurality of electrical interconnect lines formed on the substrate extending to one or more of the electrodes. An electrical power source is connected from one of its terminals through a resistor to each of the interconnect lines and from its other terminal to a workpiece to be machined. The electrodes connected to different interconnect lines may charge and discharge independently of each other, speeding up the machining process. An interconnect line may extend individually to each electrode so that all of the electrodes can charge and discharge independently of the others.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining (EDM) apparatus and method is disclosed that utilizes a rotating electrode for performing the EDM operation to form a desired profile in the work piece surface. A dressing tool located at a side of the rotating electrode opposite from the work piece is operable to dress the surface of the rotating electrode. Operation of the dressing tool is controlled in part by a monitor that monitors changes in the character and condition of the surface of the rotating electrode from certain starting parameters and initiates a dressing operation as needed to restore the starting parameters.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining (EDM) apparatus includes a plurality of work stations, where each work station has at least one electrode. The EDM apparatus further includes one or more power supplies and a power transfer switch for alternately supplying power to various sets of the electrodes. The power transfer switch has a first state wherein each power supply is connected to a corresponding first electrode in one of the work stations and a second state wherein each power supply is connected to a corresponding second electrode in another work station.

Abstract: A pipe electrode holder for holding an elongated pipe electrode (6) having a relatively small diameter, the pipe electrode holder being coaxially attached to a rotating spindle (7) of a small hole electric discharge machine. The pipe electrode holder has a cylinder capable of fitting into the rotating spindle, the cylinder having a threaded upper end and a through hole (1a), and a collet (2) for gripping the pipe electrode having a through hole (2a) through which the pipe electrode may pass, the collet being fit into the through hole of the cylinder. A holder head (5) capable of adjusting the gripping force of the collet is not screwed to the lower end of the cylinder from which the pipe electrode extends, but to the threaded upper end of the cylinder.

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. 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. %.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining system including a fixture for the post which allows the post to be mounted and clamped thereto in a precise predetermined position thereon whether the post has a round cross-sectional configuration or a polygonal shape thereto. In a preferred form, the fixture includes a bore for a round shaped post having an indexing pin which seats in a groove formed in an upper surface of the fixture and is clamped therein by clamp members actuated by cam clamp operators. The clamping of the pin in the groove keeps the post rigid and stationary relative to the fixture to provide for improved results when the electrode is subject to machining operations. In addition, because the clamping mechanism herein does away with the previously-described hydraulic clamping device utilized with prior fixtures, there are no hydraulic lines or connections that have to be set up and maintained to provide an easier-to-use fixture for use with the tool holding system.

Abstract: A green compact electrode for discharge surface treatment used for discharge surface treatment for generating discharge between a work and a green compact electrode obtained by pressuring and compacting a metal powder or a powder of a compound metal, and using the discharge energy forming a coating of an electrode material or a substance obtained through a reaction of the electrode material with the discharge energy on the work surface; the electrode is obtained by mixing a soft metal powder as a bonding agent with the metal powder or the compound metal powder, and pressuring and compacting the mixed powder.

Abstract: A green compact electrode for discharge surface treatment comprises a main body of green compact electrode obtained by pressuring and compacting metal powder or powder of a metal compound, or either of the two types of powder with ceramics powder added thereto; and a metallic die used for pressuring and compacting the main body of the green compact electrode, and is used for discharge surface treatment together with the die without taking out the main body of green compact electrode from the die.

Abstract: An electric discharge machining module for forming a hole in a workpiece with an electrode is provided, comprising a module body, a spindle assembly and a piston assembly. The module body defines a throughbore extending along an axis. The spindle assembly is at least partially positioned within the throughbore for rotation around the axis and includes a first electrode passageway which is coaxial with the axis for receiving the electrode therethrough. The piston assembly is positioned within the throughbore for movement along the axis between a released position and an engaged position. The piston assembly includes a second electrode passageway which is coaxial with the axis for receiving the electrode therethrough. A collet closer of the piston assembly engages a collet of the spindle assembly when the piston assembly is in the engaged position such that the collet grips the electrode for unitary rotational movement of the electrode and the spindle assembly.

Abstract: A pivotal two-piece EDM electrode holder having a stationary base; a rotating head pivotally positioned over the stationary base; two end caps on the stationary base; and a pocket positioned in the center of the rotating head for receiving an electrode. Adjustment apparatus secure the rotating head in the desired position to the stationary base during the EDM process.

Abstract: A method and device for replacing quickly a pipe electrode small-hole electric discharge machining to make a small-hole in a work by electric discharge machining. To make replacement of a pipe electrode 1, an electrode magazine 5 containing an electrode guide 4 in which the pipe electrode 1 is accommodated is replaced by using means. The electrode magazine 5 has a self-position maintenance tip 8 for maintaining the position taken by the electrode 1 until then while the electrode magazine 5 is removed from the electrode discharge machine and resuming the electrode discharge from the position after the electrode magazine 5 is attached again to the electric discharge machine.

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: An apparatus for electrical discharge machining multiple holes in an electrically conductive work piece, includes an electrical discharge machine for rotatably mounting a first electrode, and at least one electrical discharge unit for rotatably mounting at least one second electrode. The electrical discharge machine includes a driver and a controller, the driver is desirably coupled to the electrical discharge machine and the electrical discharge unit for rotating the first electrode and the at least one second electrode, and the controller is desirably coupled to the electrical discharge machine and the at least one electrical discharge unit for controlling a supply of electrical energy from the first electrode and second electrode to the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling cooling holes through a wall of a hollow component is disclosed. First, a laser drill is used for drilling at least one rough blind hole within a component wall, for example a turbine airfoil, so as to retain a residual bottom plate portion. Next, an electro discharge machine (EDM), for example a rotating EDM or plunge EDM, is used for finishing at least one rough blind hole so as to create at least one finished hole and breaking through the bottom plate portion.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an electrode wire for an electrical discharge machining apparatus, which is low-priced in cost of production, has sufficient conductivity and strength at high temperature and is suited for improving the speed of electrical discharge machining. Cu—Zn alloy covering layer is formed around a core metallic wire formed of Cu—0.02 to 0.2 Zr alloy or Cu—0.15 to 0.25 Sn—0.15 to 0.25 In alloy.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a magnetic head which includes a pair of magnetic cores. The method includes the steps of disposing projection end faces of respective magnetic cores to and opposite each other with a magnetic gap member inserted therebetween. The magnetic cores are welded together with a pair of back glass blocks, and a pair of circular shaped notches regulating track width are formed via electric discharge machining. Thereafter, a groove is filled with a glass material using heat treatment to form front glass blocks interposed between a magnetic tape sliding face and the back glass blocks.

Abstract: A method for determining a conjugated gear tooth contact surface of a gear having a predetermined gear mesh contact area. Also, a method for making a forging die for manufacturing gears having the predetermined gear mesh contact area is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing the gear having the predetermined gear mesh contact area, designing an electrode for an electric discharge machining using CAD/CAM device, manufacturing the electrode, and manufacturing the forging die employing the electric discharge machining process.

Abstract: A layered anisotropically conductive element (11), a resistant element (12), and a feed element (13) constitute an electrode (14) for discharge machining. The layered anisotropically conductive element (11) includes conductive layers and low-conductive layers alternately laminated on each other, the conductive layers and the low-conductive layers being made of thin metallic plates coated with an insulative film. The layered anisotropically conductive element (11) has an anisotropic conductivity, in which the conductivity in a direction parallel to the low-conductive layers is much higher than that in a direction perpendicular to the low-conductive layers. The resistant element (12) is connected to one of layer-perpendicular end surfaces (11c) of the layered anisotropically conductive element (11). The feed element (13) is connected to the resistant element (12).

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an electrode wire for an electrical discharge machining apparatus, which is low-priced in cost of production, has sufficient conductivity and strength at high temperature and is suited for improving the speed of electrical discharge machining. Cu—Zn alloy covering layer is formed around a core metallic wire formed of Cu-0.02 to 0.2 Zr alloy or Cu-0.15 to 0.25 Sn-0.15 to 0.25 In alloy.

Abstract: An electric discharge machine includes a machine base configured to support a work piece, a y-axis alignment assembly having a first direction of travel and mounted to the machine base, and an electrode alignment assembly mounted to the machine base and configured to hold an electrode during a machining process. The electrode alignment assembly has a second, a third, and a fourth direction of travel, and an attached rotary indexer has a fifth direction of travel. Movements in the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth directions of travel are automatically controlled by a processor.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining (EDM) apparatus includes at least one work station having an electrode fixedly mounted to a base and a workpiece fixture slidingly mounted to the base above the electrode. A servomotor is mounted to the base and arranged to drive the workpiece fixture toward and away from the workpiece. Preferably, the EDM apparatus will include a number of such work stations, and each work station will be connected to a separate control system for independently controlling and energizing the work station.

Abstract: A wire electrode for wire electro-discharge machining comprises a core, and a coating layer formed on an outer periphery of the core at least a surface layer of which contains copper. The coating layer comprises an alloy of copper and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zn, Cs, Se, Te and Mg, with the copper content being about 55.5 wt % to about 75 wt %. The coating layer does not have an oxide film thereon other than a natural oxide film.

Abstract: The present wire electrode for wire electro-discharge machining includes a core and a plurality of coating layers covering the outer peripheral surface of the core. The core and the plurality of coating layers are formed of different materials, and each of coating layers is made of a metal or a metal alloy including the metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Sn, Ag, Al, Zn, Cs, Se, Te, Mg, Bi, Ti, P, In, Cr, and Fe.

Abstract: In the discharge surface treatment method, an electrode having a cylindrical shape and a work are aligned face to face with a predetermined gap therebetween in a machining fluid. The electrode is a green compact electrode formed by compressing metal powder or powder of a metal compound or ceramics powder, or a metal electrode. A hard coat film of the material with which the electrode is made or a reactant of this material is formed on a surface of the work because of the energy generated during the electric discharge.

Abstract: A holder for a graphite electrodes of varying sizes is used in an electric discharge machine with a pair of jaws, one jaw being fixed and the other being movable relative to a support. A screw passes through threaded holes in both jaws. In a second, more preferred embodiment, the holder includes a pair of jaws mounted on a support, the jaws being threadedly engaged with a dual setscrew having threaded portions of mutually opposite orientations. A positioning setscrew anchors the dual setscrew, and prevents the dual setscrew from moving longitudinally. The electrode is centered because the jaws are maintained equally distant from the center of the support.

Abstract: A tool holder for electric discharge machining includes a block of molded plastic mountable to an EDM tool. The block is shaped to provide locating reference faces adapted to abut a mounting face on an EDM machine and thereby locate the block in a Z-direction on the EDM machine. An electric conductor is embedded in the block and has portions exposed (1) at the faces for electric contact with the mounting face on an EDM machine, and (2) for electric contact with a tool mounted on the block, whereby an electric circuit is completed between the tool and an EDM machine on which the holder is mounted. Finally, the block has a clamp for clamping the block on an EDM machine to urge the reference faces against the mounting face on such machine.

Abstract: An electrode discharge machining (EDM) apparatus for machining slots in a jet pump diffuser in a nuclear reactor pressure vessel is described. The apparatus is configured to machine a plurality of slots in the diffuser at positions behind the diffuser sensing line within the plane formed by the center of the diffuser and the sensing line. The apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of clamp assemblies, a hook assembly configured to engage the sensing line standoff so that the apparatus is positioned at an angle from a plane formed by the center of the diffuser and the sensing line, and a plurality of electrode assemblies. The EDM apparatus can be configured to be installed clockwise or counter-clockwise around the sensing line depending on the spacing available around given diffusers. The EDM apparatus is capable of burning a plurality of slots at the same time, thereby saving time and money.

Abstract: In a three dimensional generic electric discharge machining (EDM) apparatus the positionable driver assembly (4) houses a discharge electrode (1) that is in the form of a continuous wire, exposing only a predetermined length, the working portion, of that wire for discharge machining. Additional portions of that wire are incrementally advanced (5) from the housing as needed. In one embodiment, that need arises from electrode erosion, and, as an incremental portion of the electrode's working portion is eroded away, an additional increment of wire is advanced from the housing to restore the working portion to the desired length.

Abstract: An electric discharge device 9 is provided for removing material from a workpiece 5 to form a through hole 5b therein. The electric discharge device 9 is designed to maintain the pressure of processing liquid after the hole 5b extends through the workpiece 5 to thereby stabilize the electric discharge during the hole forming process. Basically, the electric discharge device 9 includes a movable discharging electrode 10, an arc voltage discharging device 11, a processing liquid supply mechanism 13 and an indexing mechanism 15. The arc voltage charging device 11 supplies current at a predetermined voltage between the discharging electrode 10 and a workpiece 5. An electrode reciprocating mechanism 12 moves the discharging electrode 10 towards and away from the workpiece. The processing liquid supply mechanism 13 is fluidly coupled to an internal bore 10a of the discharging electrode 10 for supplying processing liquid inside the discharging electrode 10.

Abstract: A mount for interposition between an electrode holder and an electrode for electrical discharge machining (EDM). The mount is cast from material such as aluminum or zinc. The mount has a shank portion that is connectable to the electrode holder and a connector portion or tip portion that is connectable to the electrode. The tip portion has a gluing surface that is dimensioned to be glued with a corresponding surface on the electrode. A plurality of deformable ears cast onto the gluing surface of the mount project outward and deform in contact with the electrode when the electrode and the mount are connected and bonded by glue, to thereby provide good electrical contact therebetween. The tip portion may also include grooves cast therein for receiving glue thereby improving the glue bond strength between the electrode and the mount. The mount includes an axial passage to provide for dielectric fluid flow therethrough.