<aside> đź’ˇ Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) is a precision manufacturing process used for cutting hard materials and intricate shapes. It works by using electrical discharges (sparks) between a thin wire and the material, precisely eroding the material to shape it. The wire, typically made of brass or copper, is continuously fed to ensure accuracy. WEDM is controlled by computer numerical control (CNC) for high precision, making it ideal for complex parts in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical. While it offers high accuracy and can work with tough materials, WEDM is generally slower and more costly compared to traditional machining methods.
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The goal is to develop a Wire Electrical Discharge Machine (WEDM) compact enough to fit on a desktop. Traditional WEDM machines are heavy and bulky, built for heavy-duty manufacturing. Our smaller WEDM machine aims to bring the precision and capabilities of standard WEDMs to small-scale, lab-based manufacturing. The advantage of WEDM is its lack of vibration during operation, eliminating the need for the large, robust structures typically associated with conventional machining tools. This allows for precise, small-scale manufacturing without the spatial constraints of traditional machines.
Solidworks Render of edmX Desktop Size Wire Electric Discharge Machine
Initial Prototype, using basic electronic components such as power resistors, waveform generators, power supply
Zoomed in photo of cutting zone
Me during the Senior Design Exposition at the University of Southern California
The current prototype’s other mechanical systems were designed with the help four engineering students.
