Precision Machining

What makes electrical discharge machining (EDM) so popular in precision industries is its ability to drill into very hard materials and do so within very small tolerances. But EDM is just a tool, and the successful manufacture of a precision part is dependent on several factors. With some of these factors subject to human error or being beyond the direct control of a machine shop, such as the quality of consumables, making sure a part is manufactured to certain standards becomes an exercise in managing errors. Keeping track of errors, so that their causes can be identified and corrected, has been systematized under the ISO:9001, AS9100, and Nadcap standards, and these standards are regarded as effective in many industries. With certifications for all three, Milco Wire EDM has proved itself a machine shop of the highest order, serving companies in the aerospace, defense, and biomedical industries.

Milco Wire EDM Services

Milco Wire EDM is a machine shop specializing in EDM, including wire EDM, EDM small hole drilling, and die sinker EDM. These capabilities are augmented by conventional CNC milling and water jet cutting, which cut down costs on parts where the precision afforded by EDM is not required. Our machining capabilities and quality certifications can be seen below.

Capabilities

6 wire EDM machines.
3 CNC sinker EDM machines.
3 EDM small hole drilling machines.
We can machine common metals such as tool steels, stainless steels and aluminums as well as exotic metals such as titanium, hastelloy, copper, brass, kovar, inconel, and carbides.
Around the clock, lights out manufacturing.
Quality inspection for all parts.

Wire EDM

Like cheese wire for industrial parts.

Wire diameters of: .004", .006", .008", .010", and .012".
Wide/large table travel up to 13.7" x 19.68".
Cutting head Z axis heights up to 11.8".
Up to 45 degree tapered cuts depending on workpiece height.
4 axis, independent movement.

Sinker EDM

Leaves an impression of negative electrode die. Also known as ram or plunge EDM.

Produces a fine finish and well-defined corners.
Tolerances up to .0001".
Automation capabilities with robotic tool changers from System3R.
Standard work envelope capacity of 18"x13"x24".
Repeatability of +/-.00005" for rigorous accuracy demands.
Total machining accuracy down to .0002".
Production finishes down to 8RA.

Small Hole EDM

For deep and accurate hole drilling. Used for wire EDM start holes and jet turbine cooling holes, among other things.

Single-hole electrodes for through-hole drilling.
Multi-channel electrodes for blind-hole drilling.
Start hole drilling for wire EDM.
Angled drilling is available.

Water Jet Machining

A high pressure water jet combined with abrasives allows for fast, heat-free machining. Complements EDM well.

Smooth surface finish: no burnt edges, chips, burrs, or slag.
Works with common materials: composites, acrylics, ceramics, metals, foams, rubbers, honeycombs, glass to fiberglass, granite, cement, marble, tile and wood.
Works with exotic materials: g10, kevlar, mylar, plastic, polyethylene, polyimide, niobium, and laminates.
Computer control allows for maximization of efficiency.
Low temperature machining with no heat-affected zone.
Environmentally sustainable, with no toxic emissions or waste.

CNC Machining

Mill, lathes, grinders, and engravers.

Custom tooling can be made to aid EDM processes.
Conventional machining complements EDM.
Equipment is certified and maintained.

MicroVu Vertext automated precision measurement system.

Quality Assurance

Nadcap Certification.
AS9100 Revision C Certification.
ISO9001:2008 Certified.
ITAR Compliant.
In-house inspection equipment.