EDM Fixtures

[BLAZN EDM]

What is a good type of stainless steel for

manufacturing fixtures to use on a wire EDM

machine ?

[crazy^millman]

I would recommned 316 for it rust resitance but 303 doesnt magantize so that mihgt be a better choice. They sell SS clap kits for EDM and they are great. I have used Harden Steel precisions vices in a Wire Machine that used water but it was taked out, taken a part, cleaned, and oiled right away.

 

HTH

[SledGeek]

Trfy this if you haven't already. We found that sometimes it's cheaper and less time consuming to buy fixturing.

 

http://www.system3rusa.com/System3r/prodinfo.htm

[Lucky]

300 series stainless provides the best corrosion resistance but cannot be hardened and is not magnetic which is a bitch if you need to put it on a magnetic chuck for grinding, milling, etc.

 

We use 440C stainless for any custom tooling we need on our wire EDMs. If you harden and grind the surfaces to a good finish, it will not rust.

 

We use System 3R tooling extensively. It is expensive but you cannot build it yourself to the same accuracy/quality for less. Their tooling is made from a stainess called "Stavak". The chemical composition is nearly identical to 440C.

[Don S at Barefoot CNC South]

I use the 3R system also, as for making fixtures, I use 316 or 321 and 304. Even still 3R is so versitile.

Don S

[Bill Sp]

We build alot of fixtures for or wire also. We use 420ss its much easier to grind than 440ss. I think that is what all 3R is made from also.

[Badmofo]

3R is great stuff. Expensive but so good you won't even realize why you never used it.

[Müřlıń®]

+1 to Bill 320 is good but 420 grinds way better and is tuffer....

 

 

Murlin

[Oppiz]

quote:

---

We use System 3R tooling extensively. It is expensive but you cannot build it yourself to the same accuracy/quality for less.

---

+1

 

I've looked for a less expensive builder of these types of fixtures but have yet to find a replacement.

[chad fisher]

I use 17-4 stainless. Its magnetic and can be hardened to a certain degree.

[mold100]

3R here but we have made some of our own production fixtures from 420.

[Harryman]

15-5 stainless is magnetic, can be hardened a bit, grinds ok and can be welded.

[Lars Christensen]

I would use 420 SS. I have found that it is onely making sence to build fixtures when it is impossible to buy. It alwayes ending up more expensive and half as good.

I am a big fan of Mr. Schmidt, holding his stuff is like holding 3R gold platet, it is worth every dime.

 

www.hermannschmidt.com

 

Lars