A tool engineers can’t afford to ignore
You solve a problem with the tools you have available. For engineers who use science and maths to solve important technical problems, the tools they choose can have a big impact on the immediate result – and the future.
Laila Salte, Sales Manager Imenco’s spark (EDM) division, believes that sparking erosion and wire EDM are tools that engineers should be aware of when approaching problem solving.
“It’s not uncommon for engineers and technical staff in mechanical and machining fields to be unaware of the opportunities that actually exist,” she says.
Think long term
She explains that spark erosion opens up the possibility of machining complex shapes with extreme accuracy.
What is spark erosion?
What is wire EDM?
“When there are virtually no limits to what we can machine, it creates a whole new way of looking at problems,” she says.
“For example, you could consider repairing or further developing existing parts rather than replacing them, which is something we should all prioritise doing more of in the future. Machining with high precision in the first place will also extend the life of components. For example, you can prioritise machining critical components in this way to extend their service life,” she adds.
She explains where the precision she’s talking about comes from.
“We use Ø0.25 mm coated brass wire and can machine grooves down to 0.36 mm width with 1/100th and 1/1000th tolerance,” she says.
– This precision opens up new ways of solving problems,” she adds.
A new approach
Salte has a challenge for engineers who are scratching their heads about how to approach the next project.
“Don’t underestimate the power of looking at the problem from a different perspective. Feel free to get in touch with us in Imenco’s sparking department to see if we can find a solution together,” she says.
