Re: high-performance EDM power supply

I would add to that, what software ?

One problem with an EDM is arcs and not sparks. the spark gap needs
to be withing a few thou to be effective and in the case of wire, the
software needs to reverse the tool path to eleminate arcs.

the ram is easier as you just withdraw it like a torch head control.

Dave







--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Carlos Guillermo"
<carlos@v...> wrote:

> Hmmm... I just thought if the requirements were clear, this would
> be one of those circuits Mariss could whip out in a few minutes
> and post to the files section ;^)
>
> I'm sure there are at least a few people on the list that would be
> capable of devising a circuit if the requirements were clear. Can
> we start a list of requirements that would be typical of a modern
> EDM power supply? This way, anyone who wants to tinker with a
> circuit doesn't also have to be an EDM-guru. We can start by
> filling in the blanks on the following topics, and adding any
> others that are relevant. If there are enough responses, I could
> try to compile the info into a single reference document for those
> who might want to work on the electronics.
>
> Here are some starter topics (please insert whatever you know, or
> add new topics):
>
> * "Ideal" power pulse characteristics (such as on vs. off times,
> frequency, pulse shape, etc)
> * Voltage and current requirements (typical ranges, peak vs.
> continuous current, etc.)
> * Requirements of machine motion to sustain optimum burn (feedback
> loop - constant gap?, constant voltage? etc.,)
> * Comparison of typical cutting speeds vs. power supply for
> different machines (eg, XX in^2 per hour with a XXX watt supply,
> on a XXX brand wire/sinker EDM machine)
> * Difference between wire and sinker EDM power supply
> characteristics.
> * What parameters should be adjustable, and in what ranges?
> (voltage, current, frequency, on/off times, etc.)
> * What parameters are used to control surface finish?
> * What parameters should be controlled by the power supply, by the
> machine controller, or by the user?
> * Etc:...
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Carlos Guillermo
> VERVE Engineering & Design
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jon Elson [mailto:elson@p...]
> Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 10:02 AM
> To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] high-performance EDM power supply
>
>
> Carlos Guillermo wrote:
>
> >Hi All -
> >
> >Has anyone designed an "affordable" high-performance EDM power
> >supply? Mariss, wouldn't this be right up your alley?? This is
> >begging for somebody who knows power electronics and (maybe)
> >microcontrollers to design it and offer a kit with plans and
> >PCB's.
> >
> >
> I've sketched out a few things, but haven't had time to get into
> it.
> I think it is getting into voltage ranges Mariss may be scared to
> tread, for liability reasons. Also, he is in the business of
> selling
> tens of thousands of drives a month, and this is not likely to
> come near that volume.
>
> I was planning a simple on/off pulser, but some descriptions of
> the arc starting circuits of a commercial 1970's vintage EDM
> made it clear that better circuits could be made without great
> additional cost.
>
> Someday....
>
> Jon