Looking for reliable CNC Sinker EDM Invar? VT machining manufactures Invar parts to tight tolerances and consistent quality. Invar is ultra-low thermal expansion, so the process is set up specifically for the material.
Process Data for CNC Sinker EDM Invar
| Electrode | Graphite (roughing) / copper (fine finish) |
|---|---|
| Relative removal rate | Medium (vs tool steel = medium) |
| Best finish | VDI 12-18 (Ra 0.4-0.8 µm) |
Shown for Invar 36, the most common Invar grade we see for CNC Sinker EDM. Typical values for Invar 36, Annealed; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Sinker EDM Capability for Invar
- Blind cavities & ribs
- Fine surface (VDI grades)
- Tolerance to ±0.005 mm
- Hardened tool steel
Invar material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Wire EDM Invar page.
How CNC Sinker EDM Invar Works
Material is removed from the Invar 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.
Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Sinker EDM Invar
| 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 Sinker EDM Tolerances & Surface Finish
EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the Invar part, producing fine, controlled surface textures and sharp internal corners impossible to mill.
Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.
Design Tips for CNC Sinker EDM Invar
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened Invar 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 Sinker EDM Invar
Customers order CNC Sinker EDM Invar components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.
Typical Invar Parts for CNC Sinker EDM
Illustrative examples of CNC Sinker EDM Invar 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.
Injection mould cavity rib
- Material
- Invar
- 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
- Invar
- 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
- Invar
- 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.
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 Invar
- 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 Invar 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 Invar
Send the drawing, the Invar 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 Sinker EDM Invar?
Achievable tolerances for Invar 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.
Which industries use CNC Sinker EDM Invar parts?
CNC Sinker EDM Invar parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Invar components are required.
Can you EDM-machine hardened Invar?
Yes. EDM removes material by electrical discharge rather than cutting force, so hardened and difficult Invar can be machined to fine detail and tight tolerance without distortion.
What surface finish is achievable on Invar with CNC Sinker EDM?
Surface finish on Invar is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Why is Invar a good choice for CNC Sinker EDM?
Invar is ultra-low thermal expansion, which makes it well suited to CNC Sinker EDM. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Invar EDM machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.