Among today’s most precise manufacturing tools, Portland, OR, Wire EDM stands out. That’s why wire EDM is central to Precision CNC Machining and advanced manufacturing.
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 Portland, OR, Wire EDM brings to your next project.
Article Synopsis
- A summary of how wire EDM works, why the process doesn’t require physical contact, and where it delivers better results than conventional methods.
- Specifications and capabilities (tolerances, taper angles, work envelopes, materials, etc.) to see if wire EDM cutting matches your project’s strict requirements.
- Simple examples of real-world applications and industries (aerospace, medical, packaging, energy) with notes on who oversees the work.
- Details on what Roberson Machine Company brings to the table—proven processes, up-to-date machines, and reliable scheduling from prototype to production.
Whether for aerospace prototypes or medical-grade components, wire EDM enables design and production capabilities unmatched by other methods. 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
Discover our machining capabilities, success stories, and additional Portland, OR, Wire EDM resources available on the blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, OR, Precision CNC Services
We include wire EDM as a specialized option within our wider 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.
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. Cuts leave the machine accurate, smooth, and immediately ready for further assembly or finishing.
Real-World Applications for Portland, OR, 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. This process machines conductive materials cleanly, producing burr-free parts in titanium, carbide, Inconel, hardened steels, and beyond.
Wire EDM serves Portland, OR, teams handling prototypes, fixtures, and production-scale projects. Frequent applications include:
- Aerospace: Turbine slots, seals, and tooling inserts cut to tight tolerance even after heat treatment.
- 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: Precision forming dies and durable wear components cut with clean edges and smooth finishes.
- Food & Beverage: Food-grade stainless components built for washdown service, free from stress or burrs.
- Oil & Energy: High-pressure pump parts, sealing surfaces, and alloy components engineered for harsh service.
- Automation & Robotics: Fixtures, housings, and robotic components machined with fine internal accuracy.
- Firearm Manufacturing: Consistently accurate firearm slides, internals, and tooling with sharp, burr-free edges.
- Consumer & Commercial Products: Fixtures, branding dies, and precision parts produced for consumer and commercial needs.
- 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 Portland, OR, 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 provides rapid auto-threading, dependable stability over long runs, and smooth surface finishes—perfect for intricate features and narrow internal spaces.
| 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. The work envelope and load ratings vary from older equipment, so we tailor machine choice to suit your part size and required tolerances.
Wire EDM Capabilities & Specs
With Wire EDM solutions available in Portland, OR, we handle parts ranging from micro-scale details to large workpieces, providing burr-free edges and reliable precision 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. |
Got questions about parts or materials? Contact us or call 573-646-3996 today for information on Wire EDM in Portland, OR.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Portland, OR?
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 offering is perfect 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: Count on burr-free, uniform components that align with tough dimensional requirements.
- Compliance & Regulatory Specialists: Rely on parts built with precision to satisfy compliance and audit standards.
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers: Use precise replacement parts to quickly recover from wear or damage and keep systems running.
If precision is non-negotiable, our Portland, OR, EDM wire cutting service makes sure you stay 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: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and widely machined for housings, brackets, prototypes, and high-performance parts.
- Stainless Steel: Resistant to corrosion and highly durable, ideal for medical, aerospace, and food-grade machining projects.
- Brass & Copper: Known for machinability and conductivity, often used for electrical contacts, connectors, and fluid-handling equipment.
- 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: Known for toughness in cutting hardened steels and carbides, relied on for dies, molds, and precision wear components.
Within our lineup of CNC machining processes, Wire EDM in Portland, OR, plays a critical role in achieving accurate results. Certain projects depend on Wire EDM alone, while others benefit from pairing it with milling, turning, or other precision machining techniques.
Why Roberson Machine Company for Portland, OR, Wire EDM Cutting?
For over two decades, Roberson Machine Company has provided precision machining services to industries that demand absolute accuracy. Through advanced CNC machining and wire EDM technology, we bring technical knowledge, reliable turnaround, attentive service, and extensive value-added services to Portland, OR, clients.
Other 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
The Roberson Machine Company provides advanced machining services and process expertise, making us a go-to for surgical-grade wire EDM. For more information on Portland, OR, Wire EDM services, explore our team and history, request a quote online, or call 573-646-3996.