CNC Wire EDM Invar is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled EDM machining with material-aware setup for Invar — an alloy that is ultra-low thermal expansion — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
CNC Wire EDM Capability for Invar
- Kerf from 0.1 mm
- Tolerance to ±0.002 mm
- Hardened & exotic alloys
- Sharp internal corners
Invar Material Data
| Density | 8.11 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 450–590 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 275 MPa |
| Hardness | 130–160 HB |
| Melting point | 1427 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 10.5 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 1.2 (0–100 °C) ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 2% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 25% |
| Grades we run | Invar 36, Super Invar 32-5, Alloy 42, Alloy 46 |
Published typical values for Invar 36 (FeNi36). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
The low expansion is the whole point, so machining stress is the enemy. Rough, stress-relieve at 315–425 °C, then finish — otherwise the part moves after it leaves the machine.
How CNC Wire 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 Wire 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 Wire 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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Finished Invar parts can move straight into secondary operations under one roof. Typical add-ons are deburring, passivation, anodising, plating, blasting, polishing and laser marking. We coordinate the whole chain so you receive complete, inspection-ready parts.
Working with Invar
As a material, Invar is ultra-low thermal expansion. Our setup reflects the alloy's machinability so the finished part is accurate and free of avoidable defects.
We verify the exact grade and condition before machining, and traceable mill certs are available on request. We can work to your nominated material source or specification when required.
CNC Wire EDM Quality & Inspection
We control quality throughout the process, not just at the end. In-process checks plus final inspection — including CMM where specified — keep every Invar part to print. Inspection reports, material certificates and first-article documentation can be supplied on request.
Design Tips for CNC Wire 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 Wire EDM Invar
Customers order CNC Wire 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.
How to Order CNC Wire EDM Invar
Getting a quote is simple. Share your model, the material grade, your quantity and target tolerances. You receive a clear quotation with lead time and honest manufacturability feedback.
Parts We Have Run in Invar
Three representative CNC Wire EDM Invar 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.
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.
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.
Turbine blade fir-tree root
- Material
- Invar
- 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.
Finishing Options for Invar
| 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 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 Wire 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 material thickness or size range suits CNC Wire EDM Invar?
We machine Invar across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Wire 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.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Wire EDM Invar?
CNC Wire EDM prototypes for Invar 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 Invar with CNC Wire EDM?
Surface finish on Invar is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Which industries use CNC Wire EDM Invar parts?
CNC Wire EDM Invar parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Invar components are required.