Sinker EDM

Sinker EDM cycle time depends on cavity depth, material, and the required surface finish, and is generally slower than conventional CNC machining for equivalent material removal. The tradeoff is access to features, such as sharp internal corners and blind cavities, that conventional cutting tools can't reach.

Yes. Because sinker EDM removes material through electrical discharge rather than conventional cutting force, it produces minimal mechanical stress and doesn't generate the burrs associated with traditional cutting methods. This makes it useful for delicate or hardened features where cutting force could distort the part.

Sinker EDM, also called CNC die sinking EDM, is typically the better choice for cavities and internal features formed with a shaped electrode, while wire EDM suits cut profiles and through-features formed with a moving wire. Both processes remove material through electrical discharge rather than cutting force, making them useful for hard or heat-resistant materials. Total Manufacturing operates both sinker and wire EDM equipment, so the right process can be selected based on the feature and material.

Sinker EDM requires an electrically conductive material, including hard and heat-resistant alloys that are difficult to machine conventionally. Because the process removes material through electrical discharge rather than cutting force, it can reach features that would otherwise require specialized tooling.

Sinker EDM is well suited for blind cavities, deep or narrow slots, fine details, and sharp internal corners, particularly in hard or heat-resistant materials that are difficult to produce with conventional CNC machining. A shaped electrode and controlled electrical discharges form these features in electrically conductive material. Total Manufacturing's sinker EDM equipment supports work envelopes up to 23.5" x 15.5" x 15.5".