I used my EDM Machine to resurface the face of shrinking dies that belong to an acquaintance. These dies are mounted in a power hammer type machine. http://www.tinmantech.com/html/shrinking_machine.php And are used to reshape, stretch and form sheet metal panels into your desired shape. The dies need too have a rough surface to grip the steel. The surface finish from an EDM can be rougher than one from sandblasting. And can be varied from fine to rough, depending on the EDM power settings.
A flat electrode is mounted in the ram of the EDM Machine. The die is mounted on a pair of magnet parallels with blocks on either ends to help stabilize the setup. The magnetic chuck is turned on, locking the dies in place..
The video clip below shows bringing the ram down to “spark-off” the electrode to the workpiece to set the starting point of the “burn”.
The front tank panel is then installed. And the dielectric oil is filled to just above the machining surface. Air pressure is put on the machine's oil reservoir that forces the oil into the working tank. Through a 2” diameter hose, and takes but a minute to fill. The three one-gallon jugs are used to displace the oil level. My EDM Machine is low on oil now, And I need to top off the holding reservoir. The blue hose directs a constant flow of oil between at the machining surface. To remove particles of steel and electrode from the EDM process.
You'll notice during the “burn cycle.” That the ram will come down,, spark for a short time,, then back off. The power dwell and retreat time came be varied. Allowing for removal of machined particles. And provides for a more consistent surface finish. The machine is set at about 60 Volts and 10 Amp power setting..
The final product...
A flat electrode is mounted in the ram of the EDM Machine. The die is mounted on a pair of magnet parallels with blocks on either ends to help stabilize the setup. The magnetic chuck is turned on, locking the dies in place..
The video clip below shows bringing the ram down to “spark-off” the electrode to the workpiece to set the starting point of the “burn”.
The front tank panel is then installed. And the dielectric oil is filled to just above the machining surface. Air pressure is put on the machine's oil reservoir that forces the oil into the working tank. Through a 2” diameter hose, and takes but a minute to fill. The three one-gallon jugs are used to displace the oil level. My EDM Machine is low on oil now, And I need to top off the holding reservoir. The blue hose directs a constant flow of oil between at the machining surface. To remove particles of steel and electrode from the EDM process.
You'll notice during the “burn cycle.” That the ram will come down,, spark for a short time,, then back off. The power dwell and retreat time came be varied. Allowing for removal of machined particles. And provides for a more consistent surface finish. The machine is set at about 60 Volts and 10 Amp power setting..
The final product...