Among today’s most precise manufacturing tools, Reno, NV, Wire EDM stands out. Its capability keeps wire EDM at the core of Precision CNC Machining and today’s manufacturing.
At Roberson Machine Company, we use advanced wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) technology to deliver burr-free, repeatable results for everything from intricate prototypes to production-critical components. Give our team a call at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to learn more about how Reno, NV, Wire EDM can accelerate and enhance your next project’s success.
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.
- Details on specifications and capabilities such as tolerances, taper angles, work size, and material types, showing if wire EDM is a match.
- Simple examples of real-world applications and industries (aerospace, medical, packaging, energy) with notes on who oversees the work.
- Highlighting what Roberson Machine Company brings to the table, such as established processes, modern technology, and predictable timelines.
Wire EDM expands design and manufacturing potential, from aerospace prototypes to medical-grade components, in ways other processes cannot. 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
Learn more about our machining capabilities, success stories and reviews, and other information about Reno, NV, Wire EDM on our blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, NV, Precision CNC Services
Among our many CNC machining services, wire EDM provides specialized precision. Unlike standard machining tools that make contact, wire EDM uses a fine, electrically charged wire to cut conductive metals. Controlled sparks from the wire erode material along a programmed path, leaving highly accurate cuts without 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 Reno, NV, 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 Reno, NV, teams turn to wire EDM for prototypes, fixtures, and large or small production runs. Frequent applications include:
- Aerospace: Intricate turbine slots, seal features, and precision tooling inserts that hold tight tolerances after heat treat.
- Military & Defense: Hardened alloy parts and defense assemblies requiring distortion-free machining and precise corners.
- Automotive: Precision powertrain tools, prototype components, and mold inserts designed with tight internal features.
- Medical: Precision implant components, surgical instruments, and micro-scale features cut without burrs.
- Packaging: Forming dies and wear components machined with sharp profiles and smooth surfaces for less post-processing.
- Food & Beverage: Stainless steel components machined burr-free and corrosion-resistant for sanitary washdown use.
- Oil & Energy: High-pressure pump parts, sealing surfaces, and alloy components engineered for harsh service.
- Automation & Robotics: Robotics fixtures, housings, and motion components requiring precise internal geometry.
- Firearm Manufacturing: Consistently accurate firearm slides, internals, and tooling with sharp, burr-free edges.
- 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.
Got a project or issue? Contact us online or call 573-646-3996 to talk about your Reno, NV, 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. With quick auto-threading, steady long-duration operation, and excellent surface finish, it excels at producing intricate features and precise internal gaps.
| 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. Since the work envelope and load capacity aren’t the same as legacy units, we assign the proper machine for your part dimensions and tolerance demands.
Wire EDM Capabilities & Specs
With Wire EDM solutions available in Reno, NV, we handle parts ranging from micro-scale details to large workpieces, providing burr-free edges and reliable precision on conductive materials. The section below gives 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. |
Looking for more info on a part or material? Contact us or give us a call at 573-646-3996 to discuss Wire EDM in Reno, NV.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Reno, NV?
Wire EDM does more than serve machine shops—it’s the precision process for anyone who can’t afford mistakes when making complex parts. We provide services ideal for:
- Project Managers & Directors: Maintain project flow with components that ship on time and match design requirements, reducing costly holdups.
- Prototype Engineers: Test and adjust designs rapidly before scaling into full production.
- Quality Assurance Teams: Rely on consistently accurate, burr-free parts that satisfy rigorous tolerance demands.
- Compliance & Regulatory Specialists: Receive parts manufactured to precise specs and prepared for inspection.
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers: Swap out damaged or worn parts with accurate replicas to reduce equipment downtime.
When projects hinge on precision, our Reno, NV, EDM wire cutting expertise ensures deadlines and budgets are met.
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: Known for being light and corrosion-resistant, often chosen for housings, brackets, prototypes, and other performance-focused parts.
- Stainless Steel: Strong, corrosion-resistant, and relied on for medical equipment, aerospace hardware, and food-safe parts.
- 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: Able to handle hardened steels and tungsten carbide, standard for dies, molds, and long-lasting wear tools.
We use several CNC machining processes to hit your specs, and Wire EDM in Reno, NV, is often central to that approach. 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 Reno, NV, Wire EDM Cutting?
With 20+ years of experience, Roberson Machine Company has supported industries where precision and reliability are non-negotiable. 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 Reno, NV, clients.
Our full set of machining capabilities also covers:
- 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 Reno, NV, Wire EDM services.