CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled EDM machining with material-aware setup for Molybdenum — an alloy that is very high melting point and thermal stability — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
CNC EDM Drilling Capability for Molybdenum
- Ø0.2–3 mm holes
- Deep aspect ratios
- Hardened-metal drilling
- Angled hole capability
Molybdenum Material Data
| Density | 10.22 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 550–900 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 480 MPa |
| Hardness | 200–250 HV |
| Melting point | 2623 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 138 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 4.8 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 34% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 30% |
| Grades we run | Pure Mo (99.95%), TZM, Mo-La, MoCu |
Published typical values for Pure Mo / TZM. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Below its ductile-to-brittle transition it chips rather than cuts. Sharp corners get a radius, and thin sections are wire-EDM cut instead of milled.
How CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum Works
Material is removed from the Molybdenum workpiece by controlled electrical discharges across a dielectric gap, with no mechanical contact. Flushing, on/off pulse timing and electrode/wire feed are set to balance speed against surface finish.
Every job begins from your CAD model or 2D drawing. Fixturing and tool paths are planned so the most critical dimensions are produced in the most rigid, repeatable setup. Critical dimensions are checked on the first part and monitored through the run.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Profile dimension | ±0.010 mm | ±0.002 mm |
| Internal corner radius | 0.15 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Taper control over 50 mm | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Surface finish (skim passes) | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.2 µm |
| Recast layer | 10 µm | 2 µm (fine skim) |
| Start-hole diameter | 1.0 mm | 0.25 mm |
| Workpiece hardness | no limit (conductive) | no limit (conductive) |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
CNC EDM Drilling Quality & Inspection
Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on Molybdenum parts are checked in-process and verified at final inspection using calibrated instruments and, where required, CMM measurement. Full documentation — dimensional reports, mill certs, FAIR — is available when your programme needs it.
Working with Molybdenum
Molybdenum offers a useful combination of properties: it is very high melting point and thermal stability. Those characteristics shape how we approach EDM — from tool and parameter selection to work-holding and coolant.
If your application is sensitive to alloy condition, we agree the specification in writing and document it. Stock is sourced from reputable suppliers so what you order is what you receive.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
We complete Molybdenum components with the secondary steps your drawing calls for. We arrange heat treatment, surface treatment, marking and assembly as needed. Tell us the final spec and we will plan the full route so parts arrive ready to use.
CNC EDM Drilling Tolerances & Surface Finish
EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the Molybdenum part, producing fine, controlled surface textures and sharp internal corners impossible to mill.
Final tolerances are governed by the material's behaviour, wall thickness and overall stiffness. We give honest DFM feedback if a callout would be costly or better achieved another way.
Design Tips for CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened Molybdenum that cannot be milled; allowing a small corner radius where possible speeds the cut. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum
CNC EDM Drilling of Molybdenum supports parts across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, energy and general industrial sectors. We scale from one-off prototypes to ongoing production while holding the same quality.
How to Order CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum
Ordering Molybdenum parts is straightforward. Provide the drawing, material, quantity and any certification needs. Our engineers reply — in English — with feasibility, pricing and a realistic lead time, usually within one business day.
Parts We Have Run in Molybdenum
Three representative CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum jobs, with the callouts that actually drove the process plan. Yours will differ — these are here so you can judge whether your part is in our range before you spend time on an RFQ.
Injection mould cavity rib
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- 0.25 mm wide × 8 mm deep
- Key callouts
- Width ±0.005 mm, VDI 21 finish
- Batch
- 45 pcs
Sinker EDM with a graphite electrode; a cutter that thin would break in the first pass.
Spline broach section
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- Ø28 × 40 mm
- Key callouts
- Involute profile ±0.005 mm, Ra 0.4 µm
- Batch
- 60 pcs
Wire EDM after hardening to 62 HRC — the profile would not survive being cut soft and heat-treated.
Extrusion die
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- 120 × 120 × 25 mm
- Key callouts
- Profile ±0.005 mm, internal corner R0.1 mm
- Batch
- 35 pcs
Cut in four skim passes; the first pass is speed, the last three are finish and accuracy.
Finishing Options for Molybdenum
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Molybdenum grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC EDM Drilling
Other Processes for Molybdenum
Send the drawing, the Molybdenum grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum and how is it done?
CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum refers to fast-hole EDM drilling produces small, deep holes in hard metals, including starter holes for wire EDM. Applied to Molybdenum — very high melting point and thermal stability — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
What surface finish is achievable on Molybdenum with CNC EDM Drilling?
Surface finish on Molybdenum is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Which industries use CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum parts?
CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Molybdenum components are required.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC EDM Drilling on Molybdenum?
Machined Molybdenum edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC EDM Drilling Molybdenum?
We machine Molybdenum across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.
Can VT machining make custom Molybdenum parts to my drawing?
Yes. Molybdenum Molybdenum EDM machining is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.