Recognized as a precision method, Olathe, KS, Wire EDM handles complex shapes in hard or delicate materials without direct contact. 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. Connect with our team at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to explore the advantages Olathe, KS, Wire EDM brings to your next project.
Article Synopsis
- A concise breakdown of how wire EDM works, its contact-free cutting process, and the cases where it’s superior to traditional machining.
- Key specifications and capabilities including tolerances, taper limits, work envelopes, and materials to assess project fit.
- Clear examples of real-world applications and industries like aerospace, medical, packaging, and energy, plus the roles responsible.
- 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. Below, we outline how the process functions, where it’s applied, and what working with Roberson Machine Company looks like.
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 Olathe, KS, Wire EDM from the blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, KS, Precision CNC Services
As part of our complete CNC machining offering, wire EDM is a unique and highly precise method. Where traditional tools touch the part, wire EDM cuts conductive materials using a fine, electrically energized wire. The wire’s controlled sparks trace a programmed path, eroding material into accurate cuts with zero mechanical stress on the part.
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. Cuts leave the machine accurate, smooth, and immediately ready for further assembly or finishing.
Real-World Applications for Olathe, KS, 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.
From prototypes and fixtures to complete production runs, teams across Olathe, KS, rely on wire EDM. Common uses include:
- Aerospace: Precision turbine slots, seal details, and tooling inserts that maintain tolerances after heat treating.
- Military & Defense: Critical defense assemblies and hardened alloys machined burr-free with tight internal edges.
- Automotive: Automotive powertrain tooling, inserts, and prototype parts requiring fine interior tolerances.
- Medical: Biocompatible metal implants, surgical devices, and micro features produced clean and burr-free.
- Packaging: Precision forming dies and durable wear components cut with clean edges and smooth finishes.
- 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: Slides, tooling, and inner firearm parts manufactured with clean edges and repeatable tolerances.
- Consumer & Commercial Products: Custom fixtures, precision parts, and branding dies for commercial and consumer products.
- OEM & Custom Applications: One-off prototypes through production-scale jobs in hardened or exotic conductive materials—we can cut it.
Working on a project or facing a challenge? Contact us online or reach us at 573-646-3996 to go over your Olathe, KS, wire EDM machining needs.
FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC: New Wire EDM Technology
Our equipment lineup now includes the FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC, delivering higher cutting speeds, accuracy, and thin-wire machining. 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? Building on legacy models, the ROBOCUT introduces ≈0.002″ thin-wire capacity, expanded tapering (±45° @ 1.57″ with option), and greater unattended stability through 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
Across Olathe, KS, our Wire EDM services are suited for jobs from intricate features to heavy-duty workpieces, producing accurate, burr-free results 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 Olathe, KS.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Olathe, KS?
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: Stay on schedule by getting parts delivered on time and built to spec, preventing expensive setbacks.
- 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: Obtain parts that meet strict specifications and pass inspection with confidence.
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers: Get exact replacement components to restore operations quickly and avoid extended outages.
If accuracy drives your success, our Olathe, KS, EDM wire cutting capabilities provide timely, cost-effective results.
Materials We Work With for Wire EDM
Because Wire EDM works solely with electrically conductive materials, it excels at cutting metals and alloys beyond the reach of standard machining. It leaves parts burr-free and distortion-free, handling hardened steels, delicate thin walls, and even 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: Used extensively in electrical and fluid applications thanks to their conductivity and ease of machining.
- Titanium: Corrosion-resistant and lightweight, frequently applied in aerospace designs, surgical tools, and precision performance parts.
- Tool Steels & Carbides: Engineered for cutting hardened steels and carbide, making them critical in dies, molds, and wear components.
Wire EDM in Olathe, KS, 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 Olathe, KS, Wire EDM Cutting?
Backed by 20 years in business, Roberson Machine Company continues to serve industries that cannot compromise on precision. 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 Olathe, KS, 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
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. Learn more about our team and history, contact us online for a quote, or call 573-646-3996 if you have any questions about Olathe, KS, Wire EDM services and our machining capabilities.