Recognized as a precision method, Seattle, WA, Wire EDM handles complex shapes in hard or delicate materials without direct contact. Because it achieves contact-free precision, wire EDM remains vital to Precision CNC Machining and manufacturing.
At Roberson Machine Company, our wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) technology delivers accurate, burr-free results, from complex prototypes through production-critical assemblies. Connect with our team at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to explore the advantages Seattle, WA, Wire EDM brings to your next project.
Article Synopsis
- A quick look at how wire EDM works, why it cuts without contact, and when it outperforms conventional machining.
- Outline of specifications and capabilities—tolerances, tapers, materials, envelopes—so you can evaluate if wire EDM meets your requirements.
- Simple examples of real-world applications and industries (aerospace, medical, packaging, energy) with notes on who oversees the work.
- Explaining what Roberson Machine Company brings to the table, with proven workflows, advanced equipment, and dependable turnaround times.
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
Find details on our machining services, reviews and success stories, and more about Seattle, WA, Wire EDM in the blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, WA, Precision CNC Services
As part of our complete CNC machining offering, wire EDM is a unique and highly precise method. Rather than relying on direct-contact tooling, wire EDM forms conductive metals with a thin wire carrying electrical charge. The process forms controlled sparks along the wire path, eroding material into highly accurate cuts without stressing the part.
This makes it ideal for features that are difficult—or impossible—to produce with conventional machining: intricate profiles, fine slots, sharp internal corners, and parts made from hardened steels, carbide, titanium, or other challenging 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 Seattle, WA, Wire EDM and Precision Cutting
Wire EDM is ideal when conventional cutting can’t achieve the needed accuracy, finish, or tolerance, including on hard-to-machine metals, thin walls, or delicate parts. Wire EDM cuts conductive metals cleanly and burr-free, including titanium, carbide, Inconel, hardened steels, and more.
From prototypes and fixtures to complete production runs, teams across Seattle, WA, rely on wire EDM. Frequent applications include:
- Aerospace: Fine turbine slots, seal features, and tooling inserts engineered to hold tolerance post heat treat.
- Military & Defense: Mission-critical assemblies and hardened alloys cut cleanly with sharp internal features.
- Automotive: Mold inserts, powertrain tooling, and prototypes machined with tight internal clearances.
- 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: Stainless steel components machined burr-free and corrosion-resistant for sanitary washdown use.
- Oil & Energy: Pump components, sealing details, and alloy parts machined for corrosive, high-pressure use.
- Automation & Robotics: Motion-critical housings, fixtures, and components for automation systems with tight interior details.
- Firearm Manufacturing: Precision firearm components including slides, tooling, and internals with consistent accuracy.
- 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.
Have a project or a problem? Contact us online or call 573-646-3996 to discuss your Seattle, WA, wire EDM machining needs.
FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC: New Wire EDM Technology
We’ve added a new FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC to expand cutting speed, precision, and thin-wire capability. 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? The ROBOCUT outperforms earlier specs by offering ≈0.002″ thin-wire capability, taper flexibility (±45° @ 1.57″ with option), and improved unattended consistency with 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
Serving Seattle, WA, our Wire EDM offering accommodates both tiny features and oversized workpieces, ensuring crisp edges and dependable accuracy 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 Seattle, WA.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Seattle, WA?
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 deliver Wire EDM solutions for:
- Project Managers & Directors: Keep schedules on track with parts that arrive on time and to spec, avoiding costly delays.
- Prototype Engineers: Quickly validate and refine designs before moving into large-scale production.
- Quality Assurance Teams: Rely on consistently accurate, burr-free parts that satisfy rigorous tolerance demands.
- 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 Seattle, WA, EDM wire cutting services keep your projects on schedule and within budget.
Materials We Work With for Wire EDM
Wire EDM cuts only electrically conductive materials, which makes it a go-to choice for tough metals and alloys that resist traditional machining. It produces burr-free, accurate results with no added stress or heat damage, even on thin-walled parts, hardened steels, or exotic alloys.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and durable against corrosion, making it a top pick for housings, brackets, prototypes, and performance parts.
- Stainless Steel: Resistant to corrosion and highly durable, ideal for medical, aerospace, and food-grade machining projects.
- 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.
Among the range of CNC machining processes we offer, Wire EDM in Seattle, WA, stands out as a key method for meeting exact specifications. Some parts are best produced solely with Wire EDM, while others require it alongside milling, turning, or complementary precision processes.
Why Roberson Machine Company for Seattle, WA, Wire EDM Cutting?
For decades, Roberson Machine Company has specialized in delivering precision manufacturing solutions where accuracy is critical. With state-of-the-art CNC capabilities and dedicated wire EDM machinery, we provide expertise, dependable scheduling, responsive communication, and complete value-added services to Seattle, WA, industries.
Beyond Wire EDM, our machining capabilities:
- 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
- Military Manufacturing
- Medical Brace Manufacturing
The Roberson Machine Company provides advanced machining services and process expertise, making us a go-to for surgical-grade wire EDM. See our background and team, reach us online, or call 573-646-3996 to ask about Seattle, WA, Wire EDM services and machining capabilities.