Wire EDM & Sinker EDM Services
Electrical Discharge Machining
Precision EDM services for hardened alloys up to 65 HRC, tungsten carbide, and Inconel — with tolerances to ±0.005mm. Wire EDM, sinker EDM, and EDM drilling from a single ISO-certified CNC EDM manufacturer in China, from rapid prototypes to certified production runs.
What Is Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)?
Electrical discharge machining (EDM), also called spark erosion or wire erosion, is a non-contact manufacturing process that removes material from electrically conductive metal using precisely controlled electrical sparks instead of a cutting tool. Because EDM applies zero mechanical force, it machines hardened tool steel, tungsten carbide, and superalloys like Inconel with no distortion — materials where conventional cutting struggles or fails outright.
MetalWorksPlus runs three EDM processes under one roof: wire EDM for through-profiles and tool and die EDM work, sinker EDM for blind cavities and mold features, and EDM drilling for small, deep holes in superalloys. All three are verified on a Zeiss Contura CMM and delivered with a full inspection report.
Wire EDM · Sinker EDM · EDM Drilling
Sodick AQ750L and Makino EDAF3 platforms with adaptive servo control, automated wire threading, real-time spark gap optimization, and integrated 5-axis positioning — precision EDM for tool and die, carbide, and Inconel applications.
Wire Electrical Discharge Machining
A continuously fed brass or copper wire (Ø0.02–0.30mm) cuts through conductive workpieces via controlled spark erosion. Ideal for through-profiles, punch-and-die sets, and tool and die EDM work with sharp internal corners unreachable by grinding.
Sinker / Die-Sinking EDM
A shaped graphite or copper electrode descends in a controlled Z-axis motion to transfer its geometry into the workpiece — producing blind cavities and 3D features for injection mold cavities, carbide EDM tooling, and undercut features.
Small Hole EDM Drilling
High-speed EDM drilling with rotating tubular electrodes creates precision holes from Ø0.1mm at depth-to-diameter ratios beyond 50:1 — critical for Inconel EDM turbine blade film-cooling holes and fuel injector nozzles.
MetalWorksPlus vs. a Typical EDM Job Shop
EDM is our core competency, not a side service. Here's what that means when you're evaluating an EDM supplier for a tool and die, carbide EDM, or Inconel EDM program in China.
| Evaluation Criteria | MetalWorksPlus | Typical Job Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated EDM engineering | ✓ In-house DFM review on every RFQ | Often operator-run, no dedicated review |
| Electrode manufacturing | ✓ Designed & CNC-machined in-house | Frequently outsourced, adds lead time |
| Hardened / carbide EDM capability | ✓ Up to 65 HRC steel, 90 HRA carbide | Varies, often limited to softer steels |
| Inconel & superalloy EDM | ✓ Inconel 718, Hastelloy, Waspaloy proven | Limited superalloy experience |
| Dimensional documentation | ✓ Zeiss CMM report + AS9102 FAIR on request | Basic or no inspection report |
| Minimum order quantity | ✓ No MOQ — 1 piece to volume production | Often has minimums for wire EDM |
| Quote response time | ✓ 24-hour guarantee | 2–5 business days is common |
| Certifications | ✓ ISO 9001:2015, ITAR registered | Varies by shop |
The EDM Machining Process — Step by Step
From CAD file upload to CMM-verified delivery — a transparent, quality-driven engineering workflow for every EDM services order.
Precision EDM — Technical Performance
Verified by Zeiss Contura CMM
Multiple Precision Skim Passes
Any Electrically Conductive Alloy
3–5 Day Wire EDM Prototypes
EDM Tolerances & Metrology Standards
Traceable measurement via Zeiss Contura CMM, Keyence IM-7030 vision system, and Mitutoyo SJ-410 profilometer. First Article Inspection (FAIR) per AS9102 available.
| EDM Process | Standard Tolerance | High-Precision Capability | Surface Finish Ra | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wire EDM (WEDM) Sodick AQ750L |
±0.01mm | ±0.005mm (0.0002") | 0.2 – 0.8µm | Extrusion dies, gears, splines, punch plates, tool and die EDM profiles |
| Sinker EDM (Ram) Makino EDAF3 |
±0.015mm | ±0.008mm | 0.4 – 1.2µm | Mold cavities, blind pockets, aerospace cooling channels, medical tooling |
| EDM Drilling High-Speed |
±0.02mm | ±0.01mm | 0.8 – 1.6µm | Turbine blade cooling holes, fuel nozzles, Inconel EDM micro-holes ≥ Ø0.1mm |
| GD&T — True Position AS9102 FAIR |
±0.01mm | ±0.003mm | — | Flight-critical parts, medical devices, precision fixtures |
All dimensions verified by Zeiss Contura CMM with traceable calibration. Material certifications (MTR) and full traceability documentation provided on request.
Materials We Machine by Precision EDM
Any electrically conductive material — from soft C110 copper to 90 HRA tungsten carbide (carbide EDM) and Inconel 718 (Inconel EDM) — processed with equal precision. Hardness is never a limitation.
Tool & Die Steels
High wear resistance for punch dies, forging tools, and injection mold inserts — machined post heat-treatment at 58–65 HRC, a core tool and die EDM application.
Titanium & Superalloys
Aerospace structural parts and high-temperature engine components — Inconel EDM avoids the work-hardening and stress concentration that conventional cutting causes.
Carbides & Conductive Ceramics
Ultra-hard wear parts, cutting tool inserts, and guide elements — carbide EDM is the only practical precision method at commercial scale.
Copper, Brass & Alloys
EDM electrodes, electrical connectors, and heat sinks — complex precision geometries machined from solid billets with minimal waste.
Stainless Steels
Medical devices, food processing equipment, and pharmaceutical components requiring ISO 10993 biocompatible certification.
High-Speed Steels
Broaches, form tools, gear cutters, and hobs — post-hardening EDM avoids thermal distortion after full hardening cycle.
Our Workshop & Precision Parts
Inside the MetalWorksPlus precision EDM facility, where Sodick and Makino machines deliver micron-level accuracy around the clock.
Wire EDM — Precision Spark ErosionMirror EDM Surface FinishEDM Workshop FloorEDM Surface Finishes & Secondary Operations
Complete part finishing under one roof — from as-EDMed surfaces to mirror polish, coatings, and laser marking. No secondary suppliers needed.
As-EDMed Finish
Consistent matte texture, burr-free, recast layer present. Ra 0.8–3.2µm — ready for tooling and structural applications.
Polishing & Lapping
Hand polishing or vibratory lapping achieves Ra <0.1µm mirror finish for optical mold surfaces and medical implants.
Passivation & Electropolish
Removes the EDM recast (white) layer, improves corrosion resistance — essential for aerospace and medical compliance.
PVD / CVD Coatings
TiN, TiAlN, DLC, and CrN coatings for enhanced hardness and reduced friction in forming and cutting applications.
Post-EDM Heat Treatment
Stress-relief tempering restores bulk material properties and prevents micro-cracking in hardened steels.
Laser Marking & Kitting
Permanent part ID, serial numbers, and custom kitting — cleanroom-compatible packaging available.
How EDM Creates Micron Precision
Understanding discharge physics helps engineers design better EDM parts — leveraging unique advantages in materials, geometry, and surface integrity.
Why Engineers Trust MetalWorksPlus for Precision EDM
We're not a job shop that does EDM on the side. EDM is our core competency — dedicated machines, dedicated EDM application engineers, and expertise across aerospace, medical, automotive, and precision tooling.
EDM Applications Across Key Industries
From flight-critical aerospace components to medical device tooling — MetalWorksPlus EDM serves demanding applications worldwide with ISO-certified precision.
Aerospace & Defense
Turbine blades, cooling holes, ITAR-controlled components, AS9100 programs
Medical Devices
Surgical instruments, implant components, micro-features, biocompatible materials
Tool & Die
Punch-and-die sets, injection mold inserts, extrusion and progressive stamping dies
Automotive
Injection molds, gear profiles, fuel system components, transmission parts
Electronics & Semiconductor
Precision connectors, lead frames, test fixtures, RF shielding
EDM Case Studies — Real Engineering Results
Complex precision EDM challenges solved by the MetalWorksPlus engineering team across industry verticals.
Turbine Blade Film Cooling Holes — Inconel 718
Progressive Die in D2 Steel — 62 HRC
Surgical Instrument Mold Cavity — Mirror Finish
Tungsten Carbide Extrusion Die — 89 HRA
EDM Services — Prototype to Production
Flexible EDM service models built around your production requirements — from urgent 3-day prototypes to certified JIT production supply agreements.
Custom EDM Components & Tooling
Complete precision EDM from drawing to finished part — electrode design, wire EDM profiling, sinker cavity work, EDM drilling, and secondary finishing.
- No minimum order — 1 piece to high volume
- Wire EDM prototypes in 3–5 business days
- Complex 3D cavities, deep slots, tool and die EDM
- Tolerances to ±0.005mm, Ra to 0.2µm
- In-house electrode design and CNC manufacturing
- Full CMM inspection report on every delivery
Production EDM & JIT Supply
Recurring production runs for punches, dies, gears, and precision inserts. JIT scheduling, SPC process control, and certified first articles per AS9102.
- Production turnaround: 5–10 business days
- Volume pricing and blanket order agreements
- SPC reports, Cpk analysis, statistical control
- Electrode library stored for instant repeat orders
- DDP shipping worldwide — 50+ countries
- ISO 9001:2015 certified supply chain
Frequently Asked Questions
Common technical and commercial questions about wire EDM, sinker EDM, and EDM drilling — answered by our application engineering team.
Wire EDM uses a continuously moving brass or copper wire (0.02–0.30mm) to cut electrically conductive metal through controlled spark discharges — also called wire erosion. The wire never touches the workpiece; material is removed in a dielectric fluid bath, giving micron-precision cuts to ±0.005mm and Ra 0.2µm finish.
Sinker EDM (ram EDM / die-sinking EDM) lowers a shaped graphite or copper electrode into the workpiece to transfer its geometry — producing blind cavities and 3D features that wire EDM cannot reach. It's the standard method for injection mold cavities and complex tool and die EDM work.
Yes — carbide EDM is one of the few practical ways to machine tungsten carbide, since spark erosion isn't limited by hardness. We run carbide-specific discharge parameters for extrusion dies, wear parts, and cutting tool components up to 90 HRA.
Yes — Inconel EDM is common for aerospace and turbine components, avoiding the work-hardening that conventional cutting causes. EDM drilling is also used for high-aspect-ratio holes such as turbine blade film-cooling holes in Inconel 718, Hastelloy, and Waspaloy.
Wire EDM achieves ±0.005mm (0.0002"), sinker EDM ±0.008mm, and EDM drilling ±0.01mm positional accuracy — each verified by CMM. Surface finish ranges from Ra 0.2µm on a mirror skim pass to Ra 3.2µm as-EDMed.
Yes — MetalWorksPlus is a Shenzhen-based, ISO 9001:2015 certified and ITAR registered EDM manufacturer, running wire EDM, sinker EDM, and EDM drilling for customers worldwide with DDP shipping to 50+ countries.
STEP, IGES, DWG, DXF, and PDF drawings are all accepted. 3D STEP files are preferred for sinker EDM electrode design; 2D DXF profiles are sufficient for wire EDM quoting.
Typical lead times: wire EDM prototypes 3–5 days, sinker EDM with electrode manufacturing 5–8 days, EDM drilling 3–5 days, production runs 5–10 days — with a 24-hour quote response guarantee.
Yes. MetalWorksPlus is ISO 9001:2015 certified and ITAR registered, providing AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports for aerospace and defense programs, with full CMM documentation on every order.
Start Your EDM Project Today
Upload your CAD files or send specifications — 24-hour quote response guaranteed. Our EDM application engineers personally review every inquiry for DFM feedback, realistic tolerances, and competitive pricing.
Request an EDM Quote
Upload your 3D CAD file or 2D drawing. We'll review EDM feasibility and provide pricing with DFM feedback within 24 hours.