Application of Additive Manufactured Tungsten Carbide Tool Electrodes in EDM

Of particular interest in the field of EDM is carbide. Because of its wear resistance and stability, it is an ideal electrode material, which is commonly applied in μEDM. Tungsten carbide-cobalt is representative for this group of materials, which is already used in tool manufacturing. Several tests show a general suitability of carbide tool electrodes made by SLM for EDM-processing. However, the SLM process parameters and the composition of the carbide-cobalt show significant impact to the EDM results. A lower proportion of cobalt leads to reduced material removal rates VW and rising tool wear.