VT machining provides CNC Wire EDM Steel for customers who need accurate, repeatable Steel components. Because Steel is strong, economical, widely available carbon/alloy grades, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Process Data for CNC Wire EDM Steel
| Area cutting rate (0.25 mm brass wire) | ~150 mm²/min |
|---|---|
| Linear speed at 10 mm thick | ~15 mm/min |
| Linear speed at 30 mm thick | ~5 mm/min |
| Linear speed at 60 mm thick | ~2.5 mm/min |
| Achievable accuracy | ±0.005 mm with 3-4 skim passes; Ra 0.4-0.8 µm |
Shown for 1018 Steel, the most common Steel grade we see for CNC Wire EDM. Typical values for 1018 Steel, Cold-drawn; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Wire EDM Capability for Steel
- Kerf from 0.1 mm
- Tolerance to ±0.002 mm
- Hardened & exotic alloys
- Sharp internal corners
Steel Material Data
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 585 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 450 MPa |
| Hardness | 170 HB |
| Melting point | 1420–1460 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 51.9 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 11.5 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 9% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 57% |
| Grades we run | 1018, 1045, 1215, A36, S45C, St37, 4140 (see alloy steel) |
Published typical values for 1045. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Rust. Bare steel flash-rusts within hours in a humid container, so parts are oiled or passivated before packing unless you specify otherwise.
How CNC Wire EDM Steel Works
Material is removed from the Steel 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 Wire EDM Steel
| 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 Steel 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.
Working with Steel
Steel is strong, economical, widely available carbon/alloy grades. We translate those properties into a process plan: the right tooling, speeds, feeds and fixturing for the alloy.
Where the grade, temper or heat-treat condition matters to performance, we confirm it with you and can supply material certificates. Material is procured to recognised standards for consistent, repeatable results.
Design Tips for CNC Wire EDM Steel
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened Steel 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 Steel
Steel parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Steel Parts for CNC Wire EDM
Illustrative examples of CNC Wire EDM Steel 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.
Carbide punch
- Material
- Steel
- 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.
Micro slot in nozzle
- Material
- Steel
- 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.
Extrusion die
- Material
- Steel
- 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.
Finishing Options for Steel
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Black oxide | 1–2 µm | Mild corrosion resistance, no dimensional change |
| Zinc plate + clear/yellow | 5–12 µm | ASTM B633, general corrosion protection |
| Nickel plate (electroless) | 10–25 µm | Uniform in bores, 500 HV after bake |
| Phosphate | 5–10 µm | Paint key, mild lubricity |
| Powder coat | 60–120 µm | RAL colours |
| 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 Steel
- 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 Steel 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 Steel
Send the drawing, the Steel 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 is CNC Wire EDM Steel and how is it done?
CNC Wire EDM Steel refers to wire EDM cuts conductive metal with a charged wire, achieving fine detail and tight tolerance with no cutting force. Applied to Steel — strong, economical, widely available carbon/alloy grades — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Wire EDM Steel?
Achievable tolerances for Steel 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 material thickness or size range suits CNC Wire EDM Steel?
We machine Steel across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Wire EDM Steel?
CNC Wire EDM prototypes for Steel can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.