VT machining provides CNC Sinker EDM Nickel Silver for customers who need accurate, repeatable Nickel Silver components. Because Nickel Silver is corrosion resistant with a bright silver-white finish, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Process Data for CNC Sinker EDM Nickel Silver
| 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 Nickel Silver (C752 / CuNi18Zn20), the most common Nickel Silver grade we see for CNC Sinker EDM. Typical values for Nickel Silver (C752 / CuNi18Zn20), Half-hard or spring temper; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Sinker EDM Capability for Nickel Silver
- Blind cavities & ribs
- Fine surface (VDI grades)
- Tolerance to ±0.005 mm
- Hardened tool steel
Nickel Silver material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Wire EDM Nickel Silver page.
How CNC Sinker EDM Nickel Silver Works
Material is removed from the Nickel Silver 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 Nickel Silver
| 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 Nickel Silver
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened Nickel Silver 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 Nickel Silver 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 Nickel Silver
Nickel Silver parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Nickel Silver Parts for CNC Sinker EDM
Illustrative examples of CNC Sinker EDM Nickel Silver 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
- Nickel Silver
- 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
- Nickel Silver
- 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
- Nickel Silver
- 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 Nickel Silver
- 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 Silver 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 Nickel Silver
Send the drawing, the Nickel Silver grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Can VT machining make custom Nickel Silver parts to my drawing?
Yes. Nickel Silver 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.
Which industries use CNC Sinker EDM Nickel Silver parts?
CNC Sinker EDM Nickel Silver parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Nickel Silver components are required.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Sinker EDM Nickel Silver?
CNC Sinker EDM prototypes for Nickel Silver can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
What surface finish is achievable on Nickel Silver with CNC Sinker EDM?
Surface finish on Nickel Silver is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.