In modern manufacturing, Tucson, AZ, Wire EDM is a leading process for accuracy and complexity. That’s why wire EDM is central to Precision CNC Machining and advanced manufacturing.
At Roberson Machine Company, our wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) technology delivers accurate, burr-free results, from complex prototypes through production-critical assemblies. Give our team a call at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to learn more about how Tucson, AZ, Wire EDM can accelerate and enhance your next project’s success.
Article Synopsis
- A quick look at how wire EDM works, why it cuts without contact, and when it outperforms conventional machining.
- Review of specifications and capabilities—tolerances, tapers, envelopes, and materials—to confirm wire EDM fits your project’s needs.
- 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.
Whether for aerospace prototypes or medical-grade components, wire EDM enables design and production capabilities unmatched by other methods. 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 Tucson, AZ, Wire EDM on our blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, AZ, 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. The wire’s controlled sparks trace a programmed path, eroding material into accurate cuts with zero mechanical stress on the part.
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 Tucson, AZ, 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. This process machines conductive materials cleanly, producing burr-free parts in titanium, carbide, Inconel, hardened steels, and beyond.
In Tucson, AZ, teams turn to wire EDM for prototypes, fixtures, and large or small production runs. Frequent applications include:
- Aerospace: Fine turbine slots, seal features, and tooling inserts engineered to hold tolerance post heat treat.
- Military & Defense: Hardened alloys and mission assemblies where crisp internal corners and accuracy are vital.
- Automotive: Precision powertrain tools, prototype components, and mold inserts designed with tight internal features.
- Medical: Medical instruments, implants, and fine features in biocompatible metals delivered burr-free.
- Packaging: Forming dies and wear components machined with sharp profiles and smooth surfaces for less post-processing.
- Food & Beverage: Durable stainless components for food-grade washdown, cut cleanly and stress-free.
- Oil & Energy: High-pressure pump parts, sealing surfaces, and alloy components engineered for harsh service.
- Automation & Robotics: Precision fixtures, housings, and motion assemblies designed with close internal clearances.
- Firearm Manufacturing: Internal parts, slides, and firearm tooling cut to deliver repeatable precision and crisp edges.
- Consumer & Commercial Products: Branding dies, custom fixtures, and low- to mid-volume precision parts.
- OEM & Custom Applications: Prototype one-offs through full production runs in hardened or exotic alloys—if conductive, we cut it.
Have a project or a problem? Contact us online or call 573-646-3996 to discuss your Tucson, AZ, wire EDM machining needs.
FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC: New Wire EDM Technology
Our shop now includes a FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC, boosting cutting speed, precision, and thin-wire performance. 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
Our Tucson, AZ, Wire EDM services handle everything from micro features to large, heavy workpieces, delivering clean edges and repeatable 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. |
Questions about a part or material? Contact us or call 573-646-3996 for more information about Wire EDM in Tucson, AZ.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Tucson, AZ?
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. We deliver Wire EDM solutions for:
- Project Managers & Directors: Keep production moving with parts delivered on spec and on schedule, minimizing budget-wasting delays.
- 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.
When precision is critical, our Tucson, AZ, EDM wire cutting services keep your projects on schedule and within budget.
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: Corrosion-resistant and durable, frequently specified for medical tools, aerospace structures, and sanitary components.
- Brass & Copper: Known for machinability and conductivity, often used for electrical contacts, connectors, and fluid-handling equipment.
- Titanium: Light but exceptionally strong, titanium is chosen for aerospace, surgical, and performance applications.
- Tool Steels & Carbides: Engineered for cutting hardened steels and carbide, making them critical in dies, molds, and wear components.
We use several CNC machining processes to hit your specs, and Wire EDM in Tucson, AZ, is often central to that approach. There are jobs where Wire EDM is the only option, and others where it works in tandem with milling, turning, or additional precision methods.
Why Roberson Machine Company for Tucson, AZ, Wire EDM Cutting?
Roberson Machine Company has spent more than 20 years serving industries that require exacting levels of precision and accuracy. 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 Tucson, AZ, industries.
We also provide additional 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
Through advanced machining and expert guidance across production, the Roberson Machine Company stands out as a leader in surgical-grade wire EDM. See our background and team, reach us online, or call 573-646-3996 to ask about Tucson, AZ, Wire EDM services and machining capabilities.