In modern manufacturing, Charlotte, NC, Wire EDM is a leading process for accuracy and complexity. This ability makes wire EDM a cornerstone of Precision CNC Machining and modern production.
At Roberson Machine Company, we use advanced wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) technology to deliver burr-free, repeatable results for everything from intricate prototypes to production-critical components. Reach out at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to see how Charlotte, NC, Wire EDM can improve speed and quality for your next project.
Article Synopsis
- An overview of how wire EDM works, why it’s a non-contact cutting method, and situations where it beats conventional machining.
- Outline of specifications and capabilities—tolerances, tapers, materials, envelopes—so you can evaluate if wire EDM meets your requirements.
- Straightforward examples of real-world applications and industries (aerospace, medical, packaging, energy) and who inside those teams typically owns the work.
- An overview of what Roberson Machine Company brings to the table, including modern equipment, established processes, and consistent lead times.
Wire EDM expands design and manufacturing potential, from aerospace prototypes to medical-grade components, in ways other processes cannot. The following sections cover how wire EDM operates, its uses, and what you can expect partnering with 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 Charlotte, NC, Wire EDM resources available on the blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, NC, Precision CNC Services
Wire EDM is one of the specialized services included in our broader CNC machining capabilities. Wire EDM replaces direct cutting tools with a thin, charged wire to shape conductive metals. By generating controlled sparks, the wire erodes metal on a programmed path, producing precise cuts free of mechanical stress.
For parts and features that defy standard machining—such as intricate profiles, thin slots, sharp internal corners, or hardened alloys like carbide and titanium—wire EDM is the answer. Every cut comes off the machine accurately, clean, and ready for whatever comes next in your build.
Real-World Applications for Charlotte, NC, Wire EDM and Precision Cutting
For geometry, finish, or tolerance requirements that exceed conventional tooling—particularly on tough alloys, thin-walled features, or stress-sensitive parts—wire EDM is the answer. Wire EDM cuts conductive metals cleanly and burr-free, including titanium, carbide, Inconel, hardened steels, and more.
Prototypes, fixtures, and production work in Charlotte, NC, are often carried out with wire EDM. Typical applications include:
- Aerospace: Accurate turbine slots, seals, and tooling inserts designed to remain true following heat treatment.
- Military & Defense: Critical defense assemblies and hardened alloys machined burr-free with tight internal edges.
- Automotive: Prototypes, powertrain tooling, and mold inserts made with precision internal details.
- Medical: Biocompatible metal implants, surgical devices, and micro features produced clean and burr-free.
- Packaging: Forming dies and wear parts with sharp edges and smooth finishes to reduce post-processing.
- Food & Beverage: Corrosion-resistant stainless components for washdown environments, cut without mechanical stress.
- Oil & Energy: Precision-machined sealing surfaces, pump hardware, and alloys that withstand corrosive environments.
- Automation & Robotics: Motion-critical housings, fixtures, and components for automation systems with tight interior details.
- Firearm Manufacturing: Consistently accurate firearm slides, internals, and tooling with sharp, burr-free edges.
- Consumer & Commercial Products: Consumer and commercial parts including branding dies, fixtures, and precision runs.
- OEM & Custom Applications: Whether it’s an R&D part or production in exotic alloys, if it’s conductive, wire EDM cuts it.
Got a project or issue? Contact us online or call 573-646-3996 to talk about your Charlotte, NC, wire EDM machining requirements.
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? The ROBOCUT improves on legacy specs with thin-wire capability to about 0.002″, enhanced taper options (±45° @ 1.57″ with option), and more reliable unattended cutting using AWF3 and iPulse3. With different work envelope and load specs than previous units, we align the machine with your part size and tolerance goals.
Wire EDM Capabilities & Specs
In Charlotte, NC, our Wire EDM work spans everything from micro components to heavy pieces, delivering sharp finishes and repeatable accuracy on conductive materials. See below for a general breakdown about 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 Charlotte, NC.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Charlotte, NC?
Wire EDM has applications far past the machine shop—it’s a precision approach for anyone tasked with delivering complex parts on the first try. These services are the right match for:
- Project Managers & Directors: Avoid major overruns with components that arrive as specified and on time, keeping your schedule intact.
- Prototype Engineers: Refine and prove out designs quickly to prepare for mass production.
- Quality Assurance Teams: Obtain components free of burrs and built to the tightest dimensional requirements.
- Compliance & Regulatory Specialists: Get inspection-ready parts built to exact specifications.
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers: Use precise replacement parts to quickly recover from wear or damage and keep systems running.
If your job depends on precision, our Charlotte, NC, EDM wire cutting capabilities help you get there on time and within budget.
Materials We Work With for Wire EDM
Wire EDM works only on electrically conductive materials, making it ideal for metals and alloys that are difficult to cut with traditional tools. It delivers clean, burr-free results without mechanical stress or thermal distortion—whether the job calls for thin-walled parts, hardened steels, or exotic alloys.
- Aluminum: Corrosion-resistant and lightweight, frequently machined into housings, brackets, prototypes, and precision parts.
- Stainless Steel: Widely used in aerospace, medical, and food industries thanks to its strength and corrosion resistance.
- Brass & Copper: Conductive and easy to machine, widely applied in electrical connectors, contacts, and fluid-transfer components.
- Titanium: Corrosion-resistant and lightweight, frequently applied in aerospace designs, surgical tools, and precision performance parts.
- Tool Steels & Carbides: Durable and capable of machining hardened steels and carbide, widely used for molds, dies, and industrial wear parts.
Wire EDM in Charlotte, NC, is one of many CNC machining processes we use to meet your specs. Some parts are best produced solely with Wire EDM, while others require it alongside milling, turning, or complementary precision processes.
Why Roberson Machine Company for Charlotte, NC, Wire EDM Cutting?
For decades, Roberson Machine Company has specialized in delivering precision manufacturing solutions where accuracy is critical. With state-of-the-art CNC capabilities and dedicated wire EDM machinery, we provide expertise, dependable scheduling, responsive communication, and complete value-added services to Charlotte, NC, industries.
We also provide additional machining capabilities:
- 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
Offering advanced machining services and expert guidance through the entire production process, the Roberson Machine Company is your go-to for surgical-grade wire EDM solutions. For more information on Charlotte, NC, Wire EDM services, explore our team and history, request a quote online, or call 573-646-3996.