Method and apparatus for controlling generation of machining pulses in EDM power supply

摘要

In an EDM process, a method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the quality of a machining gap by detecting a voltage signal across the gap in response to a low power pulse applied immediately prior to a machining pulse. Upon detecting a first predetermined number of consecutive inferior gap voltage signals in response to corresponding low power pulses the application of low power pulses and machining pulses is terminated for a predetermined period of time. Thereafter, only the low power pulses are applied to the machining gap; and after detecting a second predetermined number of consecutive good gap voltage signals in response to corresponding low power pulses, the machining pulses are reapplied.