VT machining provides CNC Sinker EDM Hard Alloys for customers who need accurate, repeatable Hard Alloys components. Because Hard Alloys is wear-resistant carbide and hardened tool materials, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Process Data for CNC Sinker EDM Hard Alloys
| Electrode | Copper-tungsten |
|---|---|
| Relative removal rate | Low (vs tool steel = medium) |
| Best finish | VDI 12-18 (Ra 0.4-0.8 µm) |
Shown for Tungsten Carbide, the most common Hard Alloys grade we see for CNC Sinker EDM. Typical values for Tungsten Carbide, Sintered; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Sinker EDM Capability for Hard Alloys
- Blind cavities & ribs
- Fine surface (VDI grades)
- Tolerance to ±0.005 mm
- Hardened tool steel
Hard Alloys material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Wire EDM Hard Alloys page.
How CNC Sinker EDM Hard Alloys Works
Material is removed from the Hard Alloys 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.
We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Sinker EDM Hard Alloys
| 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.
Design Tips for CNC Sinker EDM Hard Alloys
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened Hard Alloys 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.
CNC Sinker EDM Tolerances & Surface Finish
EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the Hard Alloys part, producing fine, controlled surface textures and sharp internal corners impossible to mill.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Applications of CNC Sinker EDM Hard Alloys
Hard Alloys parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Hard Alloys Parts for CNC Sinker EDM
Illustrative examples of CNC Sinker EDM Hard Alloys 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.
Spline broach section
- Material
- Hard Alloys
- 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.
Injection mould cavity rib
- Material
- Hard Alloys
- 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.
Turbine blade fir-tree root
- Material
- Hard Alloys
- Size
- 40 × 25 mm section
- Key callouts
- Profile ±0.008 mm
- Batch
- 120 pcs
Held on a dedicated fixture so every blade in the set indexes identically.
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 Sinker EDM Hard Alloys
- 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 Hard Alloys 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 Sinker EDM
Other Processes for Hard Alloys
Send the drawing, the Hard Alloys 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 surface finish is achievable on Hard Alloys with CNC Sinker EDM?
Surface finish on Hard Alloys is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Why is Hard Alloys a good choice for CNC Sinker EDM?
Hard Alloys is wear-resistant carbide and hardened tool materials, which makes it well suited to CNC Sinker EDM. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Hard Alloys EDM machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Can you EDM-machine hardened Hard Alloys?
Yes. EDM removes material by electrical discharge rather than cutting force, so hardened and difficult Hard Alloys can be machined to fine detail and tight tolerance without distortion.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Sinker EDM Hard Alloys?
CNC Sinker EDM prototypes for Hard Alloys can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.