Recognized as a precision method, Wichita, KS, 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, 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 Wichita, KS, 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.
- Key specifications and capabilities including tolerances, taper limits, work envelopes, and materials to assess project fit.
- Straightforward examples of real-world applications and industries (aerospace, medical, packaging, energy) and who inside those teams typically owns 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.
From aerospace prototypes to medical-grade components, wire EDM opens up design and manufacturing possibilities other processes can’t match. In the sections below, we’ll break down how it works, where it’s used, and what to expect when you work with 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
Explore our machining capabilities along with customer reviews and success stories, plus insights into Wichita, KS, Wire EDM on the blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, KS, Precision CNC Services
Wire EDM is one of the specialized services included in our broader CNC machining capabilities. Instead of using a cutting tool that physically contacts the workpiece, wire EDM shapes conductive metals with a thin, electrically charged wire. The wire’s controlled sparks trace a programmed path, eroding material into accurate cuts with zero mechanical stress on the part.
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. Every cut comes off the machine accurately, clean, and ready for whatever comes next in your build.
Real-World Applications for Wichita, KS, 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. It delivers burr-free, precise cuts on conductive metals such as titanium, carbide, Inconel, and hardened steels.
In Wichita, KS, teams turn to wire EDM for prototypes, fixtures, and large or small production runs. Examples of applications include:
- Aerospace: Turbine slots, seals, and tooling inserts cut to tight tolerance even after heat treatment.
- Military & Defense: Hardened alloy parts and defense assemblies requiring distortion-free machining and precise corners.
- Automotive: Automotive powertrain tooling, inserts, and prototype parts requiring fine interior tolerances.
- Medical: Burr-free machining for surgical tools, implant parts, and micro features in medical-grade alloys.
- Packaging: Sharp-edged forming dies and smooth wear parts designed to limit secondary finishing.
- Food & Beverage: Durable stainless components for food-grade washdown, cut cleanly and stress-free.
- Oil & Energy: Precision sealing surfaces, pump components, and alloy parts for high-pressure, corrosive service.
- Automation & Robotics: Fixtures, housings, and robotic components machined with fine internal accuracy.
- Firearm Manufacturing: Slides, internal components, and tooling where repeatable accuracy and clean edges matter.
- Consumer & Commercial Products: Fixtures, branding dies, and precision parts produced for consumer and commercial needs.
- 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 coming up or a machining problem? Contact us online or give us a call at 573-646-3996 to talk through your Wichita, KS, wire EDM machining needs.
FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC: New Wire EDM Technology
Our equipment lineup now includes the FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC, delivering higher cutting speeds, accuracy, and thin-wire machining. 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? 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. 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 Wichita, KS, 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. |
Need details on a part or material? Contact us or call 573-646-3996 to learn more about Wire EDM in Wichita, KS.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in Wichita, KS?
More than a tool for machine shops, Wire EDM is a precision option for professionals who demand complex parts be right from the start. 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: Speed up validation and refinement of designs ahead of full production runs.
- Quality Assurance Teams: Rely on consistently accurate, burr-free parts that satisfy rigorous tolerance demands.
- Compliance & Regulatory Specialists: Access inspection-ready components that adhere to required specifications.
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers: Get exact replacement components to restore operations quickly and avoid extended outages.
If accuracy drives your success, our Wichita, KS, EDM wire cutting capabilities provide timely, cost-effective results.
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: Light and corrosion-resistant, commonly used in machining housings, brackets, prototypes, and advanced performance parts.
- Stainless Steel: Strong, corrosion-resistant, and relied on for medical equipment, aerospace hardware, and food-safe parts.
- Brass & Copper: Used extensively in electrical and fluid applications thanks to their conductivity and ease of machining.
- Titanium: Light but exceptionally strong, titanium is chosen for aerospace, surgical, and performance applications.
- Tool Steels & Carbides: Durable and capable of machining hardened steels and carbide, widely used for molds, dies, and industrial wear parts.
Wire EDM in Wichita, KS, is one of many CNC machining processes we use to meet your specs. 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 Wichita, KS, Wire EDM Cutting?
For more than 20 years, Roberson Machine Company has delivered precision manufacturing solutions for industries where accuracy isn’t optional. Through advanced CNC machining and wire EDM technology, we bring technical knowledge, reliable turnaround, attentive service, and extensive value-added services to Wichita, KS, clients.
Our full set of machining capabilities also covers:
- 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
Offering advanced machining services and expert guidance through the entire production process, the Roberson Machine Company is your go-to for surgical-grade wire EDM solutions. Discover details about our history and team, get a quote online, or call 573-646-3996 with questions regarding Wichita, KS, Wire EDM services and machining capabilities.