CNC EDM Drilling Nickel is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled EDM machining with material-aware setup for Nickel — an alloy that is corrosion and heat resistant — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Process Data for CNC EDM Drilling Nickel
| Hole diameter range | Ø0.3-3.0 mm |
|---|---|
| Max depth-to-diameter | up to ~100:1 |
| Drilling speed, Ø1 mm | ~19 mm/min |
Shown for Nickel 200, the most common Nickel grade we see for CNC EDM Drilling. Typical values for Nickel 200, Annealed; confirmed on the first part.
CNC EDM Drilling Capability for Nickel
- Ø0.2–3 mm holes
- Deep aspect ratios
- Hardened-metal drilling
- Angled hole capability
Nickel material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Wire EDM Nickel page.
How CNC EDM Drilling Nickel Works
Material is removed from the Nickel 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 Nickel
| 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 Tolerances & Surface Finish
EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the Nickel 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 Nickel
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened Nickel 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 Nickel
CNC EDM Drilling of Nickel 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.
Typical Nickel Parts for CNC EDM Drilling
Illustrative examples of CNC EDM Drilling Nickel parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Micro slot in nozzle
- Material
- Nickel
- Size
- 0.15 mm wide × 6 mm deep
- Key callouts
- Width ±0.003 mm
- Batch
- 400 pcs
Cut with 0.1 mm wire; the start hole is EDM-drilled at Ø0.3 mm.
Carbide punch
- Material
- Nickel
- Size
- Ø6 × 45 mm
- Key callouts
- OD ±0.003 mm, sharp form retained
- Batch
- 250 pcs
Carbide is EDM or grind only; there is no milling route.
Injection mould cavity rib
- Material
- Nickel
- 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.
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 Nickel
- 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 Nickel 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 Nickel
Send the drawing, the Nickel 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 tolerances can you hold for CNC EDM Drilling Nickel?
Achievable tolerances for Nickel EDM machining depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. EDM holds tolerances to around ±0.002 mm with no cutting force on the part. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC EDM Drilling Nickel?
We machine Nickel across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.
Can you EDM-machine hardened Nickel?
Yes. EDM removes material by electrical discharge rather than cutting force, so hardened and difficult Nickel can be machined to fine detail and tight tolerance without distortion.
Can VT machining make custom Nickel parts to my drawing?
Yes. Nickel 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.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC EDM Drilling on Nickel?
Machined Nickel edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
Why is Nickel a good choice for CNC EDM Drilling?
Nickel is corrosion and heat resistant, which makes it well suited to CNC EDM Drilling. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Nickel EDM machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.