Path Technologies, Inc.
7505 Tyler Blvd. Unit #2
Mentor , OH 44060

Phone: 440-953-8225
Fax: 440-953-0803

info@path-tech.com

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The Answer !

• On non standard geometric shapes or when very small (.003in) internal radii are specified.
• Installation of threaded features in hardened tool steels and super alloys.
• Machining of thin walls or narrow (.006in) slots or deep cavities.
• Tools, Dies, Gauges, Molds compontets that require intricate work to be accurately produced
• Repeatability (+/-.00015) on critical dimensions throughout a production run
• Edm can be applied to almost all electrically conductive materials.
• Machining of hardened tool steels and super alloy's including the installation of threaded features in these materials
• Linking the above special processes together to achieve a market place advantage or produce a part that previously could not be manufactured conventionally

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:
What is EDM?
Answer:
EDM is a manufacturing process by which an electrical spark is discharged
near the surface of a (electrically conductive) work piece.

Question:
How does it work?
Answer:
The result of the above process causes the work piece parent material
to vaporize into small particulate matter. This small particulate matter is then swept away
by a water or oil flush.

Question:
What kinds of materials can be EDM'd?
Answer:
All materials that can conduct electricty are a candidate for EDM
Inconel, Mild Steels, Stainless Steel, Tool Steels (Fully Hardened),
Super Alloys, Tungsten Carbide, Monel, Rhenium, Silicon Carbide
Tantalum, Aluminum, Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Castings / Forgings

Question:
What are the advantages of EDM over conventional machining.?
Answer:
1) No part deformation due to heavy clamping forces required by conventional machining
2) No part deformation due to cutting forces produced by conventional cutting tools
3) No burrs
4) Very little heat is generated, therefore the overall accuracy is enhenced.
The flushing mechanisms of edm carry away most of the heat produced
5) Fixturing and clamping cost are greatly reduced due in fact to the ability of most
state of the art edm machines to align it's self with a work piece.
6) Very small physical features such as small internal corner's (.004 radius)
can easily be produced

Question:
What are the different types of EDM machines?
Answer:
1) Wire EDM - Utilizes a charged wire to cut thru shapes only
Uses:
Holes, Tapered Surfaces, Keyslots, Die Openings
Gear and Sprocket Forms, Core Pin Holes, Small Slots (.006 wide)
Tolerance of +/- .0002 can be attained on a part to part basis
Capable of a Micro Finish of 16 RMS
2) CnC Plunge EDM - Utilizes a charged electrode to burn cavity forms to depth and size.
Uses:
Holes, Tapered Surfaces, Keyslots, Die Openings
Gear forms, Slots, Mold Cavity's
Tolerance of +/- .0005 can be attained on a part to part basis
Capable of a Micro Finish of 16 RMS
2) Small Hole EDM - Utilizes a charged electrode to burn a diameter to depth or thru.
Uses:
Drill holes from .015 thru .156 (Up to 9" thk)
Tolerance of +/- .005 can be attained on a part to part basis
Capable of a Micro Finish of 125 RMS