VT machining provides CNC Sinker EDM Nickel for customers who need accurate, repeatable Nickel components. Because Nickel is corrosion and heat resistant, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Process Data for CNC Sinker EDM Nickel
| 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 200, the most common Nickel grade we see for CNC Sinker EDM. Typical values for Nickel 200, Annealed; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Sinker EDM Capability for Nickel
- Blind cavities & ribs
- Fine surface (VDI grades)
- Tolerance to ±0.005 mm
- Hardened tool steel
Nickel material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Wire EDM Nickel page.
How CNC Sinker EDM 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.
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
| 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
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. 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.
CNC Sinker EDM 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.
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
Nickel parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Nickel Parts for CNC Sinker EDM
Illustrative examples of CNC Sinker EDM 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.
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.
Spline broach section
- Material
- Nickel
- 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
- Nickel
- 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 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 Sinker EDM
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 Sinker EDM 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.
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.
What surface finish is achievable on Nickel with CNC Sinker EDM?
Surface finish on Nickel is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Sinker EDM Nickel?
We machine Nickel across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.