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biggest improvements can arise from electrode material selection. While operators can choose either metallic or
graphite electrode materials, most EDM end users have found graphite provides the biggest advantage in terms of
overall electrode performance. This is especially true for highly detailed electrodes, such as the electrode shown in
Figure 3.
Carefully selecting a graphite electrode with a uniform microstructure can make a difference when it comes to
producing more complex parts in a smaller footprint. Proper selection can lead to less electrode wear, which trans-
lates to using fewer electrodes per job or completing jobs more quickly, thereby achieving signiﬁ cant cost reductions.

In addition, the choice of graphite electrode grade can impact surface ﬁ nish in a way that other improvements
cannot. Because the surface of the graphite is replicated onto the workpiece, choosing a graphite electrode
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with a uniform microstructure will help the EDM process achieve a ﬁ ner surface ﬁ nish.

Following a Quality First Mindset While Improving Productivity and Costs

As product designs across industries trend towards smaller and more complex parts, EDM fabricators must
rebalance their understanding of quality, cost, and throughput. No company wants to sacriﬁ ce quality for the
sake of increased productivity, but increased customer requirements will inevitably slow down output.
To counteract this trend, companies should consider whether they’re running up against the
limitations of their chosen electrode material. If current results are too slow, too rough, or
use too many electrodes, it may be worth considering a material with improved performance
characteristics. The decrease in overall costs and cycle time – combined with the increase in
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speed and surface quality – will allow EDM fabricators to thrive in a shrinking environment.
Learn more at
https://poco.entegris.com

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