Known for precision, Bismarck, ND, Wire EDM cuts intricate shapes in hard or delicate materials without physical contact. That’s why wire EDM is central to Precision CNC Machining and advanced manufacturing.
Roberson Machine Company applies advanced wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) systems to achieve burr-free, consistent outcomes across projects from detailed prototypes to mission-critical production parts. Interested in learning how Bismarck, ND, Wire EDM can support your next project? Call 573-646-3996 or contact us online.
Article Synopsis
- A summary of how wire EDM works, why the process doesn’t require physical contact, and where it delivers better results than conventional methods.
- Details on specifications and capabilities such as tolerances, taper angles, work size, and material types, showing if wire EDM is a match.
- Examples of real-world applications and industries—aerospace, medical, packaging, energy—and the team members who manage these projects.
- Explaining what Roberson Machine Company brings to the table, with proven workflows, advanced equipment, and dependable turnaround times.
Wire EDM expands design and manufacturing potential, from aerospace prototypes to medical-grade components, in ways other processes cannot. The sections below explain how wire EDM works, its applications, and what to expect from Roberson Machine Company.
Table of Contents
- What Is Wire EDM Machining?
- Real-World Applications for Wire EDM and Precision Cutting
- FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC: New Wire EDM Technology
- Wire EDM Capabilities & Specs
- Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting
- Materials We Work With for Wire EDM
- Why Roberson Machine Company
Discover our machining capabilities, success stories, and additional Bismarck, ND, Wire EDM resources available on the blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, ND, Precision CNC Services
We include wire EDM as a specialized option within our wider CNC machining capabilities. Rather than relying on direct-contact tooling, wire EDM forms conductive metals with a thin wire carrying electrical charge. The process forms controlled sparks along the wire path, eroding material into highly accurate cuts without stressing the part.
It excels where conventional machining falls short: intricate profiles, precise slots, sharp inside corners, and components made from hardened steels, titanium, carbide, and other demanding alloys. Every part exits the process with accuracy, clean edges, and readiness for your next build stage.
Real-World Applications for Bismarck, ND, Wire EDM and Precision Cutting
Wire EDM is ideal when conventional cutting can’t achieve the needed accuracy, finish, or tolerance, including on hard-to-machine metals, thin walls, or delicate parts. It delivers burr-free, precise cuts on conductive metals such as titanium, carbide, Inconel, and hardened steels.
In Bismarck, ND, teams turn to wire EDM for prototypes, fixtures, and large or small production runs. Standard applications include:
- Aerospace: Complex turbine slots, sealing features, and precision tooling inserts that stay accurate through heat treat.
- Military & Defense: Hardened alloys and mission assemblies where crisp internal corners and accuracy are vital.
- Automotive: Mold inserts, powertrain tooling, and prototypes machined with tight internal clearances.
- Medical: Medical instruments, implants, and fine features in biocompatible metals delivered burr-free.
- Packaging: Forming dies and wear parts with sharp edges and smooth finishes to reduce post-processing.
- Food & Beverage: Food-grade stainless components built for washdown service, free from stress or burrs.
- Oil & Energy: Pump components, sealing details, and alloy parts machined for corrosive, high-pressure use.
- Automation & Robotics: Fixtures, housings, and robotic components machined with fine internal accuracy.
- Firearm Manufacturing: Firearm slides, tooling, and internal pieces requiring accurate, burr-free machining.
- Consumer & Commercial Products: Fixtures, branding dies, and precision parts produced for consumer and commercial needs.
- OEM & Custom Applications: Whether it’s an R&D part or production in exotic alloys, if it’s conductive, wire EDM cuts it.
Have a project coming up or a machining problem? Contact us online or give us a call at 573-646-3996 to talk through your Bismarck, ND, wire EDM machining needs.
FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC: New Wire EDM Technology
Our shop now includes a FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC, boosting cutting speed, precision, and thin-wire performance. It achieves efficient auto-threading, long stable runs, and clean surface finishes—suited for complex shapes and tight interior clearances.
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Size | 730 × 630 × 250 mm (28.74″ × 24.80″ × 9.84″) | Compact footprint with generous load space. |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 500 kg (≈1,100 lbs) | Stable cutting on medium-to-heavy parts. |
| Table Travel (X/Y/Z) | 400 × 300 × 255 mm (15.75″ × 11.81″ × 10.04″) | Precise positioning for complex features. |
| U/V Travel | ±60 mm | Supports advanced taper and offset work. |
| Max Taper | ±30° @ 80 mm (3.15″); option: ±45° @ 40 mm (1.57″) | Handles steep tapers on thicker stock. |
| Wire Diameter | 0.10–0.30 mm (≈0.004″–0.012″); option: 0.05 mm (≈0.002″) | Thin-wire option supports ultra-fine features. |
| Controller | FANUC 31i-WB | Modern control with iHMI interface. |
| Notable Features | AWF3 auto threading, iPulse3 discharge control, AI thermal compensation, Core Stitch | Improves uptime, finish quality, and accuracy on long runs. |
What’s different? Compared to legacy specs, the ROBOCUT adds thin-wire capability down to ≈0.002″, advanced taper options (±45° @ 1.57″ with option), and faster, more stable unattended cutting thanks to AWF3 and iPulse3. The work envelope and load ratings vary from older equipment, so we tailor machine choice to suit your part size and required tolerances.
Wire EDM Capabilities & Specs
For customers in Bismarck, ND, our Wire EDM capabilities cover projects from delicate micro features to heavy workpieces, producing clean edges and consistent accuracy on conductive materials. Below is a general breakdown of wire EDMs:
Core Capabilities
| Capability | Spec | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Max Cutting Height | 16.5″ | Tackle tall parts and deep cavities without multiple setups. |
| Tolerance Maintained | ±0.0003″ | Hit critical features for aerospace, medical, and precision tooling. |
| Max Taper Angle | 45° | Produce complex profiles and reliefs in mold and die work. |
| Wire Diameter Range | .002″–.010″ | Cut ultra-fine details or heavier sections as the job requires. |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 1,800 lbs | Run large industrial components with stable fixturing. |
Work Envelope
| Axis | Travel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| X / Y / Z | 21.7″ × 14.6″ × 12.2″ | Flexible capacity for varied part sizes and setups. |
Taper Capability by Thickness
| Workpiece Thickness | Typical Max Taper | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 12″ | ±10° | Thick tooling plates and heavy die sections. |
| 3.25″ | 30° | Mold components with angled relief features. |
| 1.93″ | 45° | Sharp internal corners and complex taper profiles. |
Questions about a part or material? Contact us or call 573-646-3996 for more information about Wire EDM in Bismarck, ND.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Bismarck, ND?
Wire EDM goes beyond machine shops, serving as a precision method for those who need complex parts produced correctly on the first run. We provide services ideal for:
- Project Managers & Directors: Stay on schedule by getting parts delivered on time and built to spec, preventing expensive setbacks.
- Prototype Engineers: Quickly validate and refine designs before moving into large-scale production.
- Quality Assurance Teams: Receive dimensionally consistent, burr-free components that meet demanding tolerance requirements.
- Compliance & Regulatory Specialists: Obtain parts that meet strict specifications and pass inspection with confidence.
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers: Maintain uptime with accurate, like-for-like replacements for worn or broken components.
If your job depends on precision, our Bismarck, ND, EDM wire cutting capabilities help you get there on time and within budget.
Materials We Work With for Wire EDM
Wire EDM applies exclusively to electrically conductive materials, which covers metals and alloys that push past the limits of traditional cutting. It achieves smooth, burr-free results free of thermal or mechanical stress, on everything from hardened steels and thin-walled sections to exotic alloys.
- Aluminum: Corrosion-resistant and lightweight, frequently machined into housings, brackets, prototypes, and precision parts.
- Stainless Steel: Strong, corrosion-resistant, and relied on for medical equipment, aerospace hardware, and food-safe parts.
- Brass & Copper: Valued for conductivity and machinability, common in contacts, connectors, and fluid-handling systems.
- Titanium: Light but exceptionally strong, titanium is chosen for aerospace, surgical, and performance applications.
- Tool Steels & Carbides: Able to handle hardened steels and tungsten carbide, standard for dies, molds, and long-lasting wear tools.
Among the range of CNC machining processes we offer, Wire EDM in Bismarck, ND, stands out as a key method for meeting exact specifications. Some jobs call for it exclusively, while others combine it with milling, turning, or other precision methods for the best results that make the most sense depending on the project.
Why Roberson Machine Company for Bismarck, ND, Wire EDM Cutting?
For over two decades, Roberson Machine Company has provided precision machining services to industries that demand absolute accuracy. From our modern CNC shop to our dedicated wire EDM equipment, we combine technical expertise with dependable lead times, responsive service, and a full range of value-added services to Bismarck, ND, customers.
Additional machining capabilities we provide are:
- CNC Lathe Machining
- Custom CNC Machining for Part Production
- CNC Machine Automation
- Oil and Gas Precision Machining
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Automotive Part Manufacturing
- EDM Machining
- High Volume CNC Machining
- Industrial Automation
- Solar Panel Manufacturers
The Roberson Machine Company provides advanced machining services and process expertise, making us a go-to for surgical-grade wire EDM. Check out our team and company background, connect with us online, or call 573-646-3996 for answers about Bismarck, ND, Wire EDM services.