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Online Catalogue last updated 17th of September 2023


Build a Pulse EDM Machine the Next Generation by Ben Fleming

No Longer Available

With a pulse EDM machine it's possible to burn shapes into hardened tool steel and exotic metals, a task that is virtually impossible with conventional machining methods. A copper earring was used to burn a reverse image into tool steel, from which a copper impression was then made, all done in less than 30 minutes.

Explore industrial-kept secrets of how pulse EDM works. You'll learn to build the power supply from the schematics (no point-to-point wiring diagrams) or using commercially available printed circuit board. You'll learn to build the precision servo head with complete electrode-indexing capabilities, the dielectric tanks, filtering system and more.

Chapters include EDM history, overview of electrical and mechanical components, the power supply, building the supply, the servo, indexing depth control, finish the job, dielectric and filter selection, tank and pump selection, the back slide tank assembly, the spark, electrodes, flushing, your first burn, jewellery manufacturing and EDM tips, glossary, reference materials, and more.

You're allowed to build this machine for your own use. But if you think you can build this design and sell it, then you need to get a license from the Author. He's put an enormous amount of energy into perfecting this in recent years and deserves to be rewarded for his efforts. It's an amazing achievement.

Preface:

...In the summer of 2006, I completed The EDM How-To Book... There is much to be said for the simplicity and ruggedness of the RC EDM power supply, but it was not a true EDM in the eyes of many. I was constantly asked if I could design a pulse EDM for more precision work.

...I have worked many hours and spent more dollars than I want to think about trying to figure out how to get one to work. This book is the accumulation of many hundreds of hours of experimenting and learning.

Before beginning to build a machine you should ask yourself "what is the intended purpose of building a pulse EDM". If all you are wanting is the ability to burn out the occasional broken tap or drill perhaps a much simpler, easier-to-operate, and much less expensive machine, a Resistor Capacitor RC-type EDM will serve the purpose. Such a machine is described in my previous book The EDM How-to Book. For those who are new to EDM the difference between the two is that the RC type machine uses a capacitor, discharged across the gap to remove metal. The pulse machine does no discharge a capacitor, instead the spark is controlled by a timer and power Mosfets.

One of the main advantages of a pulsed supply is decreased electrode wear (in most cases) and increased cutting speed. As with most things this comes at the cost of increased power supply complexity, which is more prone to failure and much more expensive to build.

...If there is a need for doing accurate EDM work, such as squaring corners in milled pockets or machining difficult shapes in steel or other exotic metals, or finer finish work such as jewellery work, then a pulse machine is most likely exactly what you are looking for.

Code No. 015545


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