Technology gains

摘要

WHILE THE EMERGING USE OF smaller and harder parts has played an important role in expanding EDM's prototype applications, improvements to the technology have also been key to its growing use. Traditionally, EDM left a white residue layer, a heat-affected zone, on workpieces. The residue was a portion of melted metal that remained on the surface. Over time and under stress, that layer could produce microcracks. To remedy the heat-affected zone problems, GF AgieCharmilles several years ago introduced its Clean Cut generator and, more recently, the IPG generator. The technology provides a new spark design and ignition voltage to produce finer sparks, which improve surface finishes and eliminate what's known as the "white layer."