The Growing Popularity of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) in Modern Manufacturing

The use of electrical discharge machining (EDM) is growing in manufacturing, with shops of all types and sizes becoming more vertically integrated, flexible, and well-rounded. EDM is now used to cut odd shapes in sheet metal and architectural steel components and for hole finishing where high precision is needed.

Some of this newfound embrace is due to greater usability. New technology has made the EDM process simpler, more efficient and intuitive, eliminating the technical complexity needed to operate legacy EDM equipment. Unattended operation is much more dependable and cutting speeds are faster, thus the total operating cost is lower.

EDM technology is no longer considered a last resort in the manufacturing industry. Today, shops of all types and sizes are becoming more vertically integrated, flexible, and well-rounded. As shops embrace new technology, they find that EDM is just another tool in an increasingly well-equipped manufacturing toolbox, including 3D printing, laser cutting and welding, five-axis machining centers, and multi-tasking lathes. EDM has become an attractive alternative for manufacturers that require high-precision machining of complex parts and components, and as EDM technology continues to evolve, more manufacturers will be pleasantly surprised by the results.