EDM WIRE
During the wire EDM process, a thin piece of single-strand metal wire is fed through the workpiece and then submerged in a tank of dielectric fluid. The wire is constantly fed from a spool and used to cut plates, punches, tools, and dies for hard metals. This process makes it possible to cut and process materials that have difficulty with other EDM methods.
Purchase EDM Wire and Other Wire EDM Supplies from McWilliams
As a trusted supplier of wire EDM supplies, McWilliams Sales & Services provides customers nationwide with high-quality EDM wire and other EDM products at competitive prices. Order EDM wire online using the links below, or contact our offices in Brighton, MI, to learn how we can be your one-stop source for all your wire EDM supplies and services.Types of EDM Wire
Several unique types of wire are used for a variety of different applications. Wire comes in different metals, shapes, and hardness. The three types of hardness are: dead-soft wire, half-hard wire, and full-hard wire. The hardness of wire refers to its ductility or its ability to undergo elongation. The kind of wire you will need depends on the kind of machine you have.Dead-Soft Wire
This type of wire is extremely malleable and can be bent easily into various shapes. A soft wire has no memory, meaning it will stay straight when coming off the spool. Because of this, a dead-soft wire is ideal for extremely high taper cuts. However, if you use dead-soft wire to create an element that will be put under a lot of stress, it is recommended to harden the wire after shaping. Our dead-soft EDM wire is available to order in cases containing four 11 lb rolls, with wire diameter options of .25mm and .30mm.Half-Hard Wire
Half-hard wire is malleable, similar to dead-soft wire, but it will maintain its shape under moderate stress. It is useful for weight-bearing parts and can be used for an element that may be subjected to high stress. Half-hard EDM wire is sold in cases containing four 11 lb rolls, each with a wire diameter of 0.25mm.Full-Hard Wire
Unlike a soft wire, hard wire has memory and can keep the set or curvature of the spool if its wound tightly or on too small of a spool. Hard wire has inherently higher tensile strength and can resist deflection under cutting forces like electrical or flushing. It is ideal for automatic threading machines. Full-hard EDM wire is sold in three options: cases containing four rolls weighing 11 lbs each, cases with four rolls weighing 13.2 lbs each, or single rolls weighing 22 lbs each. Wire diameter options of 0.25mm and 0.30mm are available for each roll size.How to Choose the Right EDM Wire for Your Application
The right EDM wire for your application depends on your EDM machine and the material that will be cut. In addition to the hardness and memory of the wire, it is important to keep certain characteristics in mind. These include:- Tensile Strength: This is the measure of a material's ability to resist breaking when placed under pressure. The tensile strength of wire will differ depending on the material it is made from.
- Conductivity: Many modern EDM machines require wire to handle large machining currents. Depending on the material of the wire, it will have varying levels of conductivity. For example, copper is a very conductive metal.
- Vaporization Temperature: Also referred to as flushability, the vaporization temperature is the point when the wire vaporizes instead of melts. This means it will begin creating gases instead of molten metal particles. The lower a material's melting point, the easier it will vaporize.
Contact Us to Learn How We Can Provide Your Wire EDM Supplies
At McWilliams Sales & Services, we know that EDM wire and other consumables greatly affect the quality of the finished product, as well as the efficiency of the EDM process. Contact us, and our helpful staff will work with you to find the proper wire hardness and material for your application needs. Looking for additional EDM supplies? Explore our selection of used EDMs, wire tools, and more. McWilliams is your trusted source for wire EDM supplies and services.
