wire tabs and skim passes

[Oppiz]

I’m wondering how other wire EDM users set up MC for tab cuts and skim passes. I’ve been trying different methods. I’m trying to find which is most effective. For example in a die block that nests a die I will rough, skim passes, leaving tab until the last then cut tab and finish tab. In a stamping die cavity where I’m machining the actual cutting edge of the die I’ll rough all die openings leaving the tab, then go back, cut tab following with the skim passes.

[Chipmakr]

We use Agie machines here and control all this behavior at the machine. We generally rough and skim as much as possible leavinf as small tab on a flat surface if possible. Then we come back and cut the part off leaving .002"-.003" stock on the tab then carefully gring it flush at the surface grinder.

[edmBosto]

We do the same on punches as Chipmakr does. But on dies we'll try to cut out the large opening and drop the slug while we are there trying to get that part done before leaving for the day and then skim complete passes for overnite burning.

If that's not possible because of the time of day we rough and skim leaving the slug connected then cutoff then skim pass where the tab was.

Wow, it's been awhile for me to think wire as I've been milling lately.

[Guest]

oppiz, i rough all of the openings leaving a tab,then go back and drop all the slugs at one time, then let it skim. the only time i have to be there is to drop the slugs.

[Guest]

as far as punches go, i rough it leaving a tab,take reverse skim passes,add a stop on the tab cut,and take reverse skim passes on the tab cuts, glueing a piece of carbon on the punch.it blends very well.i have had punches that did not have any straight part on it.