VT machining provides CNC Wire 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.
CNC Wire EDM Capability for Hard Alloys
- Kerf from 0.1 mm
- Tolerance to ±0.002 mm
- Hardened & exotic alloys
- Sharp internal corners
Hard Alloys Material Data
| Density | 14.5 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 2000–3500 (TRS) MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | — |
| Hardness | 88–93 HRA / 1300–1800 HV |
| Melting point | 2870 (WC) °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 70–100 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 5.0 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 10% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | grind / EDM only |
| Grades we run | YG6, YG8, YG15 (K10–K30), D2, H13, M2, SKD11 |
Published typical values for WC-Co (YG8 / K20). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Everything is done by grinding, wire EDM or sinker EDM. Design in a small corner radius wherever possible — a true sharp internal corner doubles the EDM time.
How CNC Wire 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.
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 Wire 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 Wire EDM Hard Alloys
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. 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 Wire EDM Quality & Inspection
Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on Hard Alloys parts are checked in-process and verified at final inspection using calibrated instruments and, where required, CMM measurement. Full documentation — dimensional reports, mill certs, FAIR — is available when your programme needs it.
CNC Wire 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.
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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
We complete Hard Alloys components with the secondary steps your drawing calls for. We arrange heat treatment, surface treatment, marking and assembly as needed. Tell us the final spec and we will plan the full route so parts arrive ready to use.
Working with Hard Alloys
Hard Alloys offers a useful combination of properties: it is wear-resistant carbide and hardened tool materials. Those characteristics shape how we approach EDM — from tool and parameter selection to work-holding and coolant.
If your application is sensitive to alloy condition, we agree the specification in writing and document it. Stock is sourced from reputable suppliers so what you order is what you receive.
Applications of CNC Wire EDM Hard Alloys
CNC Wire EDM of Hard Alloys 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.
How to Order CNC Wire EDM Hard Alloys
Ordering Hard Alloys parts is straightforward. Provide the drawing, material, quantity and any certification needs. Our engineers reply — in English — with feasibility, pricing and a realistic lead time, usually within one business day.
Parts We Have Run in Hard Alloys
Three representative CNC Wire EDM Hard Alloys jobs, with the callouts that actually drove the process plan. Yours will differ — these are here so you can judge whether your part is in our range before you spend time on an RFQ.
Micro slot in nozzle
- Material
- Hard Alloys
- 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
- Hard Alloys
- 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.
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.
Finishing Options for Hard Alloys
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
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 Wire 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 Wire 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
Does CNC Wire EDM Hard Alloys require dedicated tooling?
Wire EDM needs no shaped tooling; sinker EDM uses a shaped electrode we produce in-house for your cavity.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Wire EDM on Hard Alloys?
Machined Hard Alloys edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Wire EDM Hard Alloys?
CNC Wire 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.
What is CNC Wire EDM Hard Alloys and how is it done?
CNC Wire EDM Hard Alloys refers to wire EDM cuts conductive metal with a charged wire, achieving fine detail and tight tolerance with no cutting force. Applied to Hard Alloys — wear-resistant carbide and hardened tool materials — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Wire EDM Hard Alloys?
We machine Hard Alloys across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.
Why is Hard Alloys a good choice for CNC Wire EDM?
Hard Alloys is wear-resistant carbide and hardened tool materials, which makes it well suited to CNC Wire EDM. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Hard Alloys EDM machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.