Among today’s most precise manufacturing tools, Maryland Heights, MO, Wire EDM stands out. That’s why wire EDM is central to Precision CNC Machining and advanced manufacturing.
Roberson Machine Company leverages advanced wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) to cut burr-free, precise parts—whether complex prototypes or production-grade components. To discuss how Maryland Heights, MO, Wire EDM can drive success for your next project, call our team at 573-646-3996 or contact us online.
Article Synopsis
- A quick look at how wire EDM works, why it cuts without contact, and when it outperforms conventional machining.
- Details on specifications and capabilities such as tolerances, taper angles, work size, and material types, showing if wire EDM is a match.
- 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 aerospace prototypes to medical-grade components, wire EDM opens up design and manufacturing possibilities other processes can’t match. The sections ahead break down how the process works, where it’s used, and what working with Roberson Machine Company involves.
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
Learn more about our machining capabilities, success stories and reviews, and other information about Maryland Heights, MO, Wire EDM on our blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, MO, Precision CNC Services
Within our full range of CNC machining services, wire EDM stands out as a specialized process. Instead of using a cutting tool that physically contacts the workpiece, wire EDM shapes conductive metals with a thin, electrically charged wire. The wire’s controlled sparks trace a programmed path, eroding material into accurate cuts with zero mechanical stress on 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. The process produces clean, accurate cuts that are ready for assembly, finishing, or the next stage of production.
Real-World Applications for Maryland Heights, MO, 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. Conductive metals like titanium, carbide, Inconel, and hardened steels are cut cleanly and burr-free with wire EDM.
In Maryland Heights, MO, teams turn to wire EDM for prototypes, fixtures, and large or small production runs. Standard applications include:
- Aerospace: Intricate turbine slots, seal features, and precision tooling inserts that hold tight tolerances after heat treat.
- Military & Defense: Critical defense assemblies and hardened alloys machined burr-free with tight internal edges.
- 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: Washdown-ready stainless parts, corrosion-resistant and machined without added stress.
- Oil & Energy: Precision-machined sealing surfaces, pump hardware, and alloys that withstand corrosive environments.
- Automation & Robotics: Automation parts such as fixtures, housings, and moving elements cut with tight tolerances.
- Firearm Manufacturing: Slides, internal components, and tooling where repeatable accuracy and clean edges matter.
- Consumer & Commercial Products: Low- to mid-volume precision components, branding dies, and custom fixtures.
- 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 Maryland Heights, MO, wire EDM machining requirements.
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. Fast auto-threading, consistent performance in extended runs, and high-quality surface finishes make it a strong fit for complex designs and small 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. Its work envelope and load limits differ from past models, so we fit the right unit to your part’s size and tolerance needs.
Wire EDM Capabilities & Specs
Our Maryland Heights, MO, Wire EDM services handle everything from micro features to large, heavy workpieces, delivering clean edges and repeatable 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. |
Have a question about parts or materials? Contact us or reach us at 573-646-3996 for details on Wire EDM in Maryland Heights, MO.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Maryland Heights, MO?
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: Speed up validation and refinement of designs ahead of full production runs.
- 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: Replace worn or damaged components with precise, like-for-like replacements that minimize downtime.
When precision is critical, our Maryland Heights, MO, EDM wire cutting services keep your projects on schedule and within budget.
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: Corrosion-resistant and lightweight, frequently machined into housings, brackets, prototypes, and precision parts.
- Stainless Steel: Durable and corrosion-resistant, commonly used in medical devices, aerospace assemblies, and food-grade components.
- Brass & Copper: Excellent machinability and conductivity make them go-to choices for electrical terminals, connectors, and fluid-related parts.
- 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.
Within our lineup of CNC machining processes, Wire EDM in Maryland Heights, MO, plays a critical role in achieving accurate results. In some cases Wire EDM is the sole solution, in others it’s integrated with milling, turning, or related processes for optimal results.
Why Roberson Machine Company for Maryland Heights, MO, Wire EDM Cutting?
Roberson Machine Company has spent more than 20 years serving industries that require exacting levels of precision and accuracy. Through advanced CNC machining and wire EDM technology, we bring technical knowledge, reliable turnaround, attentive service, and extensive value-added services to Maryland Heights, MO, 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
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 Maryland Heights, MO, Wire EDM services.