spark erosion 2

[Bob167]

Is it possible to cut through 10 millimetre mild steel plate using electrical discharge/ wire erosion/ spark erosion type machines ?

How much power would it take ? What cutting speed ?

Who makes such a machine ?

Is any university researching this field ?

Any information welcome.

 

[MechEng13]

Bob,

Sinker EDM as you are describing will easily cut through 10mm mild steel. Depending on the shape you want to cut, you may want to look at submerged wire EDM. Power/Cutting speed I can't say. There are many manufacturers of EDM machines...just do a google search for EDM or Electrical Discharge Machining.

HTH



Alan M. Etzkorn
Product Engineer
Nixon Tool Co.

http://www.nixontool.com

 

[Bob167]

Alan,

Thanks for a very prompt reply. My own experience was that these techniques were only for small, precision items - so your information is very encouraging.

The items we have to cut are in a nuclear vault and the work must be done remotely, so I doubt that we can use a standard production machine.

But, at least we now know that it is worth pursuing this line.

Thanks again,

Regards

Bob

 

[unclesyd]

What type hole do you need?

If it is not a precision hole a portable drill or tap disintegrator type might work and it is fairly small. The power supply can be remote.

 

[Bob167]

Thanks UncleSyd,

The problem is essentially to cut round a tube with 10 mm wall thickness. This is a 'demolition'-type job so the quality/ width of the cut is not particularly important.

Have you any idea what cutting speed might be possible and what the relationship between power and speed might be ?

When they erode under liquid, is the liquid a coolant or conducter (or both) ? Is it essential ?

I like the idea of a portable 'tap-disintegrator' type of machine ?

Thanks very much for your information and advice.

Regards,

Bob

 

[unclesyd]

Here is the website that I’m familiar with. We had several of there machines. Give them a call as they were at one time most helpful.
They are quite a few other companies that make these machines. With several that claim to be very fast.

Also there are a lot of used machines on the market.

http://www.electroarc.com/

 

[Bob167]

Well done unclesyd,

I will try electroarc. I am also waiting for a reply from 600centre near Loughborough who claim to know all there is to know on this and similar subjects.

I think you have got me started on the right road here, so thanks again,

All the best,

Bob