Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] EDM

Richard wrote:

>Back in the 1950's I did some mil spec testing to qualify electrical
>components for possible use in aircraft. Some tests were done at an
>atmospheric pressure equivalent to 55,000 feet altitude. Sparking
>across insulating gaps took place at lower voltage levels and longer
>insulating paths were needed to counter this.
>
>My question: Would there be any good benefit if the EDM work-
>electrode system were placed in a lowered pressure environment? Could
>we see lower voltage discharges and faster cutting? Would it be worth
>the effort? Richard
>
>

I doubt it. I think that the vaporization of the liquid (and the fact
it is incompressible)
may be VERY important for the EDM process. Also, the ability of the
fluid to cool
the pieces and carry away debris is important. The EDM spark causes a
small explosion
underwater (or whatever the fluid) and this explosion, or the cavitation
that follows
are part of the process that breaks down the metal.

Arcing or corona at low pressure in gases is an entirely different
process. Plasm etching
is a VERY useful process for the removal of non-conductive materials,
like composites.
But, that is very different in a number of ways.

Jon