Electroformed EDM electrodes have been proposed and studied by a number of workers and have been found to be an acceptable method of construction. They have an excellent capability of copying minute surface details (<0.1 microns). However, much of the work has been carried out using thick electroforms (in excess of 3 mm). Unfortunately, such electroforms take many days to produce. This paper examines the feasibility of using thin walled electroforms (<1.5 mm) for use as EDM electrodes that can be produced in copper in time-scales of between 14 and 38 hours. Stereolithography models were used as mandrels on which to electroform the copper. Dimensional changes were monitored at each stage.
展开▼
