Computer aided EDM electrode design

Abstract

A large number of EDM electrodes are used in die and mold manufacturing. However, the electrode design is very time consuming. This paper introduces a computer-aided electrode design system for die and mold manufacturing. Using this system, when the electrode boundaries are selected, the electrode tool, its holder, and a work coordinate system are created automatically. An algorithm of sharp corner uncut detection for electrode design is also developed. With this algorithm, sharp corner uncut can be detected by calculating the surface angles at their common edges. The system has been tested and proved to be able to shorten the electrode design lead-time significantly. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.