Xact Wire EDM Corporation

Small Hole EDM

Small Hole EDM

In small-hole electrical discharge machining, a small-diameter (usually hollow) spinning electrode is applied to a workpiece. Also known as EDM drilling or EDM micro hole drilling, small hole EDM has traditionally been used to produce holes in fuel injectors, turbine blades, cutting tools (coolant holes), and more. XACT Wire EDM provides comprehensive small hole EDM services to a variety of industries nationwide.

Small Hole EDM Advantages

Small hole EDM is in many ways similar to a drilling operation but offers the advantages of EDM machining.

• Very low machining forces that make it ideal for drilling delicate parts
• Workpiece hardness has no detrimental impact on performance
• Angle of entry is unimportant because there is no contact between the tool and workpiece
• Burr-free finished holes

Small Hole EDM Capabilities

• Electrode diameter from 0.010″ (.25mm) to 0.090″ (2.3mm)
• Finished hole sizes from .012-.015″ (.34mm) to .121-.126″ (3.14mm)
• Maximum thickness from 1/4 inch (6mm) to 9 inches (225mm)*
• *Up to 14: part height possible, depending on part configuration
• Maximum XY travel: X-22″ & Y-14″
• Other sizes may be available with lead time and/or large quantity orders.

Common Small Hole EDM Drilling Applications:

• , taps, end mills, and drills
• Addition of wire EDM start holes after heat treating
• Removal of broken drill bits and taps
• Placement of holes too small/difficult for conventional drilling
• Burr free holes
• Wire safety holes