EDM Machining Services
When you need to machine hardened steel, carbide, or complex geometries that conventional CNC cannot touch, EDM machining is the answer. Electrical discharge machining uses controlled electrical sparks — not physical cutting tools — to erode material with zero mechanical stress, zero burrs, and tolerances as tight as ±0.0001 inch.
At Baetro, we provide precision EDM machining services including wire EDM, sinker EDM, and small hole drilling EDM. Our Qingdao facility runs 24/7 with dedicated EDM centers, and every project starts with a free engineering review of your CAD files. Upload your design and get an instant quote with exact pricing and lead times in under 60 seconds.
What Is EDM Machining?
EDM machining (electrical discharge machining) uses controlled electrical sparks — not physical cutting tools — to erode material with zero mechanical stress, zero burrs, and tolerances as tight as ±0.0001".
A charged electrode is brought near the conductive workpiece while submerged in dielectric fluid. Each spark vaporizes a microscopic amount of material, creating precise cuts and cavities without any physical cutting force.
Our EDM Machining Capabilities
Baetro operates dedicated EDM centers capable of wire EDM, sinker EDM, and small hole drilling EDM. Each process serves different geometries and tolerances, and our engineers help you choose the right method before production begins.
Wire EDM Services
Uses a continuously fed brass wire (0.1–0.3 mm) to cut through conductive materials with no tool wear. Ideal for through-cuts, punches, dies, and gears.
- Tolerances: ±0.0001" (±0.0025 mm)
- Surface finish: Ra 0.1–0.4 µm
- Max thickness: Up to 600 mm
- Best for: Punches, dies, gears, extrusion dies, aerospace components
Sinker EDM Services
Uses a custom-shaped solid electrode to create complex 3D internal geometries with no through-access. Ideal for molds, dies, and blind cavities.
- Tolerances: ±0.0005" (±0.0127 mm)
- Surface finish: Ra 0.2–0.8 µm
- Electrodes: Graphite, copper, tungsten
- Best for: Injection molds, die-casting dies, turbine blade roots, deep ribs
Small Hole Drilling EDM
Uses a tubular electrode to create deep, small-diameter holes with aspect ratios up to 300:1 — the fastest of the three EDM methods.
- Hole diameters: 0.3–3.0 mm
- Aspect ratio: Up to 300× diameter
- Tolerances: ±0.001" (±0.025 mm)
- Best for: Cooling holes, fuel nozzles, ejector pin holes, vent holes
Why Choose Baetro for EDM Machining?
Engineers and procurement managers choose Baetro for reliable EDM machining services with tight tolerances, fast quoting, transparent documentation, and responsive project support.
Precision Without Compromise
±0.0001" on wire EDM, ±0.0005" on sinker EDM. Every part inspected on CMM with full inspection reports. ISO 9001 certified, AS9100 compliant for aerospace.
Engineering Partnership
Free DFM feedback on every quote. Our engineers review your CAD file and suggest electrode access improvements, wire entry optimization, and tolerance adjustments that reduce cycle time by 20% or more.
Speed from Quote to Delivery
EDM parts ship in 5–10 days standard. Instant quoting returns exact pricing and lead times in under 60 seconds — no waiting for sales emails or back-and-forth RFQs.
Transparent Manufacturing
Our ISO-certified facility in Qingdao, China. Every order gets a dedicated project manager who provides real-time updates from quote through delivery.
No Minimum Order Quantity
MOQ = 1. Test your designs with one prototype electrode or scale to 500 production mold inserts — same process, same quality standards.
Full-Service Under One Roof
EDM is one capability in our integrated ecosystem. Combine with CNC machining and surface treatments — all managed by one supplier and one project manager.
Materials for EDM Machining
EDM works on any electrically conductive material — from hardened tool steel to carbide. Full material certifications and traceability available for every project.
Metals
Hardened Tool Steel: D2, A2, O1, H13 — 58–65 HRC for dies and tooling.
Carbide: Extreme hardness for dies, wear parts, and cutting tools.
Titanium: Grade 2, Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V — aerospace and medical applications.
Inconel: 625, 718 — high-temperature alloys for aerospace and energy.
Stainless Steel: 304, 316, 17-4 PH — corrosion-resistant components.
Tungsten: High-density parts for defense and medical shielding.
Copper & Copper Alloys: Electrodes and electrical components.
Hardened Carbon Steel: Tooling and industrial components.
EDM Advantage
Unlike CNC milling or turning, EDM does not depend on material machinability ratings. A 65 HRC carbide part machines as easily — in terms of process feasibility — as annealed copper.
Limiting factors: conductivity, part geometry, and tolerance requirements — not hardness.
EDM Machining Specifications Comparison
Wire EDM, sinker EDM, and hole drilling EDM each serve different geometries, tolerances, and feature types. Compare capabilities below to choose the right process for your part.
| Specification | Wire EDM | Sinker EDM | Hole Drilling EDM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tolerance | ±0.0001″ | ±0.0005″ | ±0.001″ |
| Surface finish | Ra 0.1–0.4 µm | Ra 0.2–0.8 µm | Ra 0.4–1.6 µm |
| Feature type | Through-cuts, 2D profiles | Blind cavities, 3D pockets | Deep small holes |
| Tool / electrode | Brass wire (continuous) | Graphite, copper, tungsten | Tubular brass electrode |
| Dielectric fluid | Deionized water | Hydrocarbon oil | Deionized water |
| Tool wear | None (wire replaced continuously) | Electrode erodes; rough + finish electrodes needed | Minimal (tubular electrode) |
| Setup time | Short (program only) | Longer (custom electrode required) | Short |
| Best materials | Any conductive metal | Any conductive metal | Any conductive metal |
Note: All specifications represent Baetro standard capabilities. Tighter tolerances and custom requirements are available on request — upload your CAD file for a manufacturability review.
EDM Applications by Industry
Wire EDM, sinker EDM, and hole drilling EDM serve industries with demanding requirements for tight tolerances, complex geometries, and hard materials.
Mold & Die Making
Sinker EDM for injection mold cavities, die-casting dies, and forging dies. Wire EDM for ejector plates, inserts, and progressive die components.
Aerospace
Turbine blade roots (fir-tree and dovetail profiles), fuel system components, and landing gear parts. AS9100-certified with full material traceability.
Medical Devices
Surgical instruments, implant tooling, and micro-featured components with burr-free edges and biocompatible materials — no secondary polishing required.
Automotive
Injection mold tooling, precision gears, transmission components, and die work for lighter materials and tighter tolerances.
Electronics & Semiconductors
Precision connectors, micro-nozzles, and hardened tooling. Wire EDM's burr-free edges prevent debris-related failure in sensitive components.
Our EDM Quality Process
Every EDM machining project at Baetro follows a structured quality workflow — from CAD review to final inspection.
CAD Review & DFM Analysis
Our engineers evaluate your design for EDM feasibility, identifying optimal cutting strategies, electrode requirements, and potential cost savings.
Programming & Setup
Wire paths are programmed in CAD/CAM software. For sinker EDM, electrodes are machined and verified before production begins.
In-Process Inspection
Critical dimensions are checked during machining to catch deviations early and ensure quality throughout production.
Final CMM Inspection
Finished parts are measured on Coordinate Measuring Machine equipment against your specifications for full verification.
Inspection Report & Shipment
Full dimensional reports ship with your parts, along with material certifications when required by your project.
EDM Machining FAQ
Answers to common questions about EDM tolerances, materials, lead times, cost, and process comparisons.
What is the difference between wire EDM and sinker EDM?
Wire EDM cuts through the workpiece using a continuously fed brass wire, producing 2D through-profiles. Sinker EDM uses a custom-shaped solid electrode to create 3D blind cavities and internal features. Choose wire EDM for through-cuts and extreme precision; choose sinker EDM for molds, dies, and complex geometries.
What materials can be EDM machined?
Any electrically conductive material can be EDM machined: hardened tool steel, carbide, tungsten, titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, copper, and carbon steel. EDM cannot machine plastics, ceramics, composites, or other non-conductive materials.
What tolerances can EDM machining achieve?
Wire EDM: ±0.0001″ (±0.0025 mm) | Sinker EDM: ±0.0005″ (±0.0127 mm) | Hole drilling EDM: ±0.001″ (±0.025 mm). Tighter specifications available depending on part geometry and requirements.
How much does EDM machining cost?
Cost depends on part complexity, material, tolerance, and volume. Wire EDM is cost-effective for through-cuts (no custom electrodes). Sinker EDM has higher setup costs due to electrode fabrication. Upload your CAD file for an instant quote with exact pricing.
How long does EDM machining take?
Standard EDM parts ship in 5–10 days from order confirmation. Complex multi-cavity sinker EDM molds may require 2–4 weeks due to electrode fabrication. Rush options available for urgent prototypes.
Can EDM machine parts that are already heat-treated?
Yes — this is a primary advantage of EDM. Because there is no cutting force and no significant heat-affected zone, EDM can machine fully heat-treated parts up to 65+ HRC without distortion, cracking, or metallurgical changes.
Is EDM machining more expensive than CNC machining?
For simple geometries in soft materials, CNC is faster and less expensive. However, for hardened materials above 60 HRC, complex internal geometries, or tolerances below ±0.001″, EDM is often more cost-effective than the alternative — which would require multiple operations and specialized tooling.
What file formats do you accept for EDM quotes?
We accept STEP (.stp, .step), IGES, SolidWorks (.sldprt), Parasolid (.x_t), and STL. STEP is preferred for the most accurate quoting.
Get Your EDM Quote Today
Whether you need wire EDM for precision through-cuts, sinker EDM for complex mold cavities, or hole drilling EDM for deep small holes, Baetro delivers tight-tolerance parts with the transparency and speed your project demands.
Upload your CAD file now and get an instant quote with exact pricing, lead times, and free DFM feedback — all in under 60 seconds.
No minimum order. No hidden fees. ISO 9001 & AS9100 certified.
Not ready to upload a file? Contact our engineers to discuss your project, review material options, or get guidance on tolerance selection.
