Sinker EDM electrode finishing a mold cavity

Capability

Sinker EDM

Sinker EDM · electrode planning · inspection review

Drawing-reviewed
Standard tolerance (mm)
Drawing-specified
Surface finish (Ra µm)
Material-specific
Max material hardness
Project-reviewed
Avg. prototype turnaround

Manufacturing path

What we control on this route, and how we prove it.

Below is the manufacturing path for this capability: the equipment we run it on, the in-process inspection we apply, and the evidence that ships with the lot. Compare it against your print — if a control is missing from your drawing, we will flag it in the DFM note.

Sinker EDM uses a shaped electrode to form cavities in conductive workpieces. It can complement milling for deep ribs, difficult internal features and tooling geometries with limited cutter access.

What we make

Common parts made via sinker edm

Multi-cavity injection mold core after sinker EDM

Injection mold cores

Review cavity depth, electrode wear allowance, rib thickness and required surface integrity. Electrode manufacture time should be included in schedule and cost assumptions.

Forging die cavity after sinker EDM

Forging & die-cast dies

Review die steel condition, draft, corner radii and whether milling can reach the feature before EDM. Heat-treatment sequence affects both electrode strategy and final size.

Titanium aerospace pocket after sinker EDM

Limited-access pockets

Review why cutter access fails, pocket aspect ratio and recast-layer acceptance. Sinker EDM is complementary to milling, not a default for every internal feature.

How we work

Materials, tolerances, equipment

Sinker EDM uses a shaped electrode to form cavities in conductive workpieces. It can complement milling for deep ribs, difficult internal features and tooling geometries with limited cutter access.

Typical parts and project fit

This process is considered for mold cavities, deep ribs and tooling details. Tecpreva reviews the drawing, material condition, quantity and functional requirements before confirming the production route.

Drawing and inspection checklist

Identify electrode geometry, cavity depth, electrode wear and surface integrity. Supply a revision-controlled 2D drawing, STEP model, finish specification and critical dimensions. Machine positioning accuracy alone does not define achievable part tolerance.

Why does sinker EDM need an electrode?

The electrode defines the cavity geometry. Electrode manufacture and wear affect price, schedule and repeatability, so they should be included in the quotation and inspection review.

From first article to repeat production

Agree the fixture and datum strategy, first-article checks, sampling plan and dimensional report scope before production. Record revisions and protect functional surfaces during finishing and packing.

Bring a drawing

Send your Sinker EDM drawing for review.

Include geometry that drives this process, material grade, quantity and the inspection points that matter. Engineering sends an initial response within one business day and confirms the proposed route after drawing review.

Request a manufacturing review