Respected in advanced manufacturing, Lexington, KY, Wire EDM offers unmatched precision for complex geometries and delicate materials. This ability makes wire EDM a cornerstone of Precision CNC Machining and modern production.
Using advanced wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) processes, Roberson Machine Company provides burr-free, reliable results for everything from prototypes to high-volume production runs. Give our team a call at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to learn more about how Lexington, KY, Wire EDM can accelerate and enhance your next project’s success.
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.
- Illustrative real-world applications and industries such as aerospace, medical, packaging, and energy, and the roles that lead the projects.
- Details on what Roberson Machine Company brings to the table—proven processes, up-to-date machines, and reliable scheduling from prototype to production.
From medical components to aerospace prototypes, wire EDM offers manufacturing and design flexibility that traditional processes can’t equal. 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
Check out our machining capabilities, success stories, and extra content about Lexington, KY, Wire EDM on the blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, KY, Precision CNC Services
As part of our complete CNC machining offering, wire EDM is a unique and highly precise method. In place of mechanical cutting tools, wire EDM uses a fine electrically charged wire to machine conductive materials. By generating controlled sparks, the wire erodes metal on a programmed path, producing precise cuts free of mechanical stress.
That’s why it’s the go-to method for features conventional machining can’t achieve: intricate profiles, narrow slots, sharp internal corners, and components built from hardened steels, titanium, carbide, or other tough 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 Lexington, KY, 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. Wire EDM cuts conductive metals cleanly and burr-free, including titanium, carbide, Inconel, hardened steels, and more.
Teams use wire EDM in Lexington, KY, for prototypes, fixtures, and full production runs. Common uses 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: Automotive powertrain tooling, inserts, and prototype parts requiring fine interior tolerances.
- Medical: Burr-free machining for surgical tools, implant parts, and micro features in medical-grade alloys.
- 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: Alloy components, pump parts, and sealing features designed for service in high-pressure, corrosive systems.
- Automation & Robotics: Fixtures, housings, and robotic components machined with fine internal accuracy.
- Firearm Manufacturing: Slides, tooling, and inner firearm parts manufactured with clean edges and repeatable tolerances.
- 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 or a problem? Contact us online or call 573-646-3996 to discuss your Lexington, KY, wire EDM machining needs.
FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC: New Wire EDM Technology
We’ve brought in a FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC to raise throughput, precision, and thin-wire capabilities. 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? Where legacy specs fall short, the ROBOCUT delivers ≈0.002″ thin-wire cutting, advanced taper choices (±45° @ 1.57″ with option), and stable, faster unattended operation powered by AWF3 and iPulse3. Because its work envelope and load capacity vary from older models, we select the right machine based on your part size and tolerance requirements.
Wire EDM Capabilities & Specs
Our Lexington, KY, Wire EDM services handle everything from micro features to large, heavy workpieces, delivering clean edges and repeatable accuracy on conductive materials. Here’s 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 Lexington, KY.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Lexington, KY?
Wire EDM isn’t just for machine shops—it’s a precision solution for anyone responsible for getting complex parts made right the first time. Our Wire EDM capabilities are suited for:
- Project Managers & Directors: Keep schedules on track with parts that arrive on time and to spec, avoiding costly delays.
- Prototype Engineers: Test and adjust designs rapidly before scaling into full production.
- Quality Assurance Teams: Receive dimensionally consistent, burr-free components that meet demanding tolerance requirements.
- Compliance & Regulatory Specialists: Access inspection-ready components that adhere to required specifications.
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers: Use precise replacement parts to quickly recover from wear or damage and keep systems running.
When projects hinge on precision, our Lexington, KY, EDM wire cutting expertise ensures deadlines and budgets are met.
Materials We Work With for Wire EDM
Electrically conductive materials are the only candidates for Wire EDM, but that includes many metals and alloys too hard for conventional tools. The process provides precise, burr-free finishes without distortion—whether you’re machining hardened steels, thin walls, or exotic alloys.
- Aluminum: Machinable, corrosion-resistant, and light, used extensively for housings, brackets, prototypes, and high-performance applications.
- Stainless Steel: Corrosion-resistant and durable, frequently specified for medical tools, aerospace structures, and sanitary components.
- Brass & Copper: Highly machinable and conductive, making them staples for electrical contacts, connectors, terminals, and fluid-handling parts.
- Titanium: Strong, light, and corrosion-resistant, used in aerospace, surgical instruments, and performance-driven parts.
- 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 Lexington, KY, 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 Lexington, KY, Wire EDM Cutting?
For more than 20 years, Roberson Machine Company has delivered precision manufacturing solutions for industries where accuracy isn’t optional. Our advanced CNC shop and dedicated wire EDM equipment let us pair technical expertise with reliable lead times, responsive support, and a wide array of value-added services for Lexington, KY, clients.
Other machining capabilities:
- 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
- Microscope Parts Precision Machining
Backed by advanced machining and expert support from start to finish, the Roberson Machine Company delivers surgical-grade wire EDM solutions. For more information on Lexington, KY, Wire EDM services, explore our team and history, request a quote online, or call 573-646-3996.