Development of an operations evaluation system for sinking EDM

This paper describes the development and validation of an operations evaluation system for sinking EDM operations. Based on a given workpiece geometry (e.g. mould), regions to be EDM'ed are automatically indentified. For a given electrode configuration, consisting of one or more regions, EDM machining times are calculated, making a proper process planning possible. The EDM time calculation is based on reference values for machining times which are then corrected for changes in the electrode geometry and generator settings. The developed system has been validated, proving a better and more accurate machining time estimation.