Among today’s most precise manufacturing tools, Des Moines, IA, Wire EDM stands out. This ability makes wire EDM a cornerstone of Precision CNC Machining and modern production.
With advanced wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) equipment, Roberson Machine Company produces repeatable, burr-free results for both intricate prototypes and production-scale parts. Call us at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to find out how Des Moines, IA, Wire EDM helps achieve precision and efficiency in your next build.
Article Synopsis
- A quick look at how wire EDM works, why it cuts without contact, and when it outperforms conventional machining.
- Key specifications and capabilities including tolerances, taper limits, work envelopes, and materials to assess project fit.
- Illustrative real-world applications and industries such as aerospace, medical, packaging, and energy, and the roles that lead the projects.
- What Roberson Machine Company brings to the table. This includes proven processes, modern equipment, and predictable lead times from prototype through production.
Whether for aerospace prototypes or medical-grade components, wire EDM enables design and production capabilities unmatched by other methods. 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
See more about our machining capabilities, reviews, and information on Des Moines, IA, Wire EDM from the blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, IA, Precision CNC Services
As part of our complete CNC machining offering, wire EDM is a unique and highly precise method. Unlike standard machining tools that make contact, wire EDM uses a fine, electrically charged wire to cut conductive metals. By generating controlled sparks, the wire erodes metal on a programmed path, producing precise cuts free of mechanical stress.
It’s particularly suited for work conventional tools can’t handle: detailed profiles, slim slots, sharp internal corners, and parts in hardened steels, titanium, carbide, or similar alloys. Parts come off the machine precise, burr-free, and ready to move straight into the next step of your build.
Real-World Applications for Des Moines, IA, Wire EDM and Precision Cutting
Choose wire EDM when conventional tooling can’t hit the geometry, finish, or tolerance you need—especially with hard-to-machine materials, thin-walled features, or parts that can’t take rigid cutting forces. It handles conductive metals with burr-free precision, including titanium, carbide, Inconel, hardened steels, and more.
Teams use wire EDM in Des Moines, IA, for prototypes, fixtures, and full production runs. Frequent applications include:
- Aerospace: Precision turbine slots, seal details, and tooling inserts that maintain tolerances after heat treating.
- Military & Defense: Hardened alloys and mission assemblies where crisp internal corners and accuracy are vital.
- Automotive: Complex powertrain tooling, mold inserts, and prototype parts with fine internal clearances.
- Medical: Medical instruments, implants, and fine features in biocompatible metals delivered burr-free.
- Packaging: Sharp-edged forming dies and smooth wear parts designed to limit secondary finishing.
- Food & Beverage: Corrosion-resistant stainless parts for hygienic washdown applications, machined without distortion.
- Oil & Energy: Sealing surfaces, pump parts, and alloy components built for high-pressure, corrosive conditions.
- Automation & Robotics: Motion-critical housings, fixtures, and components for automation systems with tight interior details.
- Firearm Manufacturing: Precision firearm components including slides, tooling, and internals with consistent accuracy.
- Consumer & Commercial Products: Precision branding dies, fixtures, and parts for consumer and commercial applications.
- OEM & Custom Applications: From R&D one-offs to production runs in exotic or hardened materials—if it’s conductive, we can cut it.
Have a project or a problem? Contact us online or call 573-646-3996 to discuss your Des Moines, IA, wire EDM machining needs.
FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC: New Wire EDM Technology
We’ve added the FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC to increase precision, speed, and thin-wire cutting capability. The system offers quick auto-threading, reliable long runs, and fine surface finishes, making it ideal for complex geometries and tight 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? Unlike older specs, the ROBOCUT supports thin-wire use down to ≈0.002″, offers taper options up to ±45° @ 1.57″ (with option), and runs faster, steadier unattended cycles with 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
Serving Des Moines, IA, our Wire EDM offering accommodates both tiny features and oversized workpieces, ensuring crisp edges and dependable 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. |
Got questions about parts or materials? Contact us or call 573-646-3996 today for information on Wire EDM in Des Moines, IA.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Des Moines, IA?
Wire EDM goes beyond machine shops, serving as a precision method for those who need complex parts produced correctly on the first run. Our Wire EDM capabilities are suited for:
- Project Managers & Directors: Ensure timelines hold by receiving parts that meet specifications and arrive when needed, cutting out delays.
- Prototype Engineers: Validate and tweak designs early, reducing risk before entering large-scale production.
- Quality Assurance Teams: Get parts that are burr-free and dimensionally accurate, meeting even the strictest tolerance standards.
- Compliance & Regulatory Specialists: Count on components produced to exact standards and ready for audits.
- 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 Des Moines, IA, EDM wire cutting capabilities help you get there on time and within budget.
Materials We Work With for Wire EDM
Only electrically conductive materials can be cut with Wire EDM, but that makes it perfect for metals and alloys where traditional machining falls short. The method produces accurate, burr-free parts without stress or heat distortion—from thin-walled pieces and hardened steels to advanced exotic alloys.
- Aluminum: Machinable, corrosion-resistant, and light, used extensively for housings, brackets, prototypes, and high-performance applications.
- Stainless Steel: Resistant to corrosion and highly durable, ideal for medical, aerospace, and food-grade machining projects.
- Brass & Copper: Conductive and easy to machine, widely applied in electrical connectors, contacts, and fluid-transfer components.
- Titanium: Lightweight yet strong and corrosion-resistant—ideal for aerospace structures, surgical tools, and performance parts where strength-to-weight ratio matters.
- Tool Steels & Carbides: Durable and capable of machining hardened steels and carbide, widely used for molds, dies, and industrial wear parts.
Wire EDM in Des Moines, IA, is one of many CNC machining processes we use to meet your specs. Depending on the application, some projects use Wire EDM exclusively, while others combine it with turning, milling, or different machining strategies.
Why Roberson Machine Company for Des Moines, IA, Wire EDM Cutting?
Backed by 20 years in business, Roberson Machine Company continues to serve industries that cannot compromise on precision. 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 Des Moines, IA, industries.
Other machining capabilities:
- Oil and Gas Precision Machining
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Automotive Part Manufacturing
- EDM Machining
- High Volume CNC Machining
- Industrial Automation
- Solar Panel Manufacturers
- Microscope Parts Precision Machining
- Military Manufacturing
Backed by advanced machining and expert support from start to finish, the Roberson Machine Company delivers surgical-grade wire EDM solutions. Check out our team and company background, connect with us online, or call 573-646-3996 for answers about Des Moines, IA, Wire EDM services.