Recognized as a precision method, Spokane, WA, Wire EDM handles complex shapes in hard or delicate materials without direct contact. That’s why wire EDM is central to Precision CNC Machining and advanced manufacturing.
Roberson Machine Company applies advanced wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) systems to achieve burr-free, consistent outcomes across projects from detailed prototypes to mission-critical production parts. Call us at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to find out how Spokane, WA, Wire EDM helps achieve precision and efficiency in your next build.
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.
- Illustrative real-world applications and industries such as aerospace, medical, packaging, and energy, and the roles that lead the projects.
- What Roberson Machine Company brings to the table. This includes proven processes, modern equipment, and predictable lead times from prototype through production.
Wire EDM makes new design and manufacturing options possible—covering everything from aerospace prototypes to medical components—where other processes fall short. 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 Spokane, WA, Wire EDM on our blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, WA, Precision CNC Services
Within our full range of CNC machining services, wire EDM stands out as a specialized process. Rather than relying on direct-contact tooling, wire EDM forms conductive metals with a thin wire carrying electrical charge. Material is removed by controlled sparks along a programmed wire path, achieving exact cuts without mechanical stress on components.
For parts and features that defy standard machining—such as intricate profiles, thin slots, sharp internal corners, or hardened alloys like carbide and titanium—wire EDM is the answer. The process produces clean, accurate cuts that are ready for assembly, finishing, or the next stage of production.
Real-World Applications for Spokane, WA, Wire EDM and Precision Cutting
Wire EDM is the process of choice when conventional tools fall short on geometry, finish, or tolerance—particularly with difficult materials, thin walls, or parts unsuited for rigid cutting. It delivers burr-free, precise cuts on conductive metals such as titanium, carbide, Inconel, and hardened steels.
Wire EDM serves Spokane, WA, teams handling prototypes, fixtures, and production-scale projects. Standard applications include:
- Aerospace: Intricate turbine slots, seal features, and precision tooling inserts that hold tight tolerances after heat treat.
- Military & Defense: Hardened alloys and mission assemblies where crisp internal corners and accuracy are vital.
- Automotive: Automotive powertrain tooling, inserts, and prototype parts requiring fine interior tolerances.
- 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: 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: Slides, tooling, and inner firearm parts manufactured with clean edges and repeatable tolerances.
- Consumer & Commercial Products: Precision branding dies, fixtures, and parts for consumer and commercial applications.
- OEM & Custom Applications: Prototype one-offs through full production runs in hardened or exotic alloys—if conductive, we cut it.
Got a project or issue? Contact us online or call 573-646-3996 to talk about your Spokane, WA, wire EDM machining requirements.
FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC: New Wire EDM Technology
A new FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC has been added, bringing greater precision, faster cutting, and improved thin-wire capacity. 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? The ROBOCUT improves on legacy specs with thin-wire capability to about 0.002″, enhanced taper options (±45° @ 1.57″ with option), and more reliable unattended cutting using 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
Across Spokane, WA, our Wire EDM services are suited for jobs from intricate features to heavy-duty workpieces, producing accurate, burr-free results 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. |
Questions about a part or material? Contact us or call 573-646-3996 for more information about Wire EDM in Spokane, WA.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Spokane, WA?
Wire EDM has applications far past the machine shop—it’s a precision approach for anyone tasked with delivering complex parts on the first try. Our services are a fit for:
- Project Managers & Directors: Ensure timelines hold by receiving parts that meet specifications and arrive when needed, cutting out delays.
- Prototype Engineers: Confirm and improve prototypes fast, then transition smoothly to production.
- Quality Assurance Teams: Access precision parts that hold consistent dimensions and meet exacting tolerance specs.
- Compliance & Regulatory Specialists: Get inspection-ready parts built to exact specifications.
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers: Replace worn or damaged components with precise, like-for-like replacements that minimize downtime.
When projects hinge on precision, our Spokane, WA, EDM wire cutting expertise ensures deadlines and budgets are met.
Materials We Work With for Wire EDM
Wire EDM applies exclusively to electrically conductive materials, which covers metals and alloys that push past the limits of traditional cutting. It achieves smooth, burr-free results free of thermal or mechanical stress, on everything from hardened steels and thin-walled sections to 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: 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.
Wire EDM in Spokane, WA, is one of many CNC machining processes we use to meet your specs. 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 Spokane, WA, Wire EDM Cutting?
For decades, Roberson Machine Company has specialized in delivering precision manufacturing solutions where accuracy is critical. From our modern CNC shop to our dedicated wire EDM equipment, we combine technical expertise with dependable lead times, responsive service, and a full range of value-added services to Spokane, WA, customers.
Additional machining capabilities we provide are:
- 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
Through advanced machining and expert guidance across production, the Roberson Machine Company stands out as a leader in surgical-grade wire EDM. Check out our team and company background, connect with us online, or call 573-646-3996 for answers about Spokane, WA, Wire EDM services.