EDM Machining, EDM Jobs, Mold Repair

Click here to learn about Mold repair.
EDM machining is an interesting occupation and there are almost always EDM jobs available for the qualified worker. The difficult part is becoming a qualified worker! It's the age old problem of trying to get a job without experience, buy how do you get experience without a job!
Many times the EDM jobs are filled by mold makers or tool and die makers who began their career as an apprentice. This is a typical career path, but certainly not the only one.
Some begin as a high speed milling machine operator, or a mold repair machinist or welder. Once you become familiar with the EDM machining process it is much easier to ask for a transfer into that department.
There are some excellent technical schools that train people to work as toolmakers, and the EDM is a part of the course. This is a great way to get qualified, at least enough to get hired. It actually takes years to really master this rather obscure trade.
A related machine is the wire EDM machine, which is somewhat like a band saw, but instead of a blade, there is a thin wire that uses electricity to machine the steel. It is an amazing concept, and it has been developed into an extremely accurate machine tool.
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Both the sinker EDM and wire EDM require extensive EDM supplies to do their job. This includes dielectric fluid, EDM filters, Poco graphite, Telco copper, precision tooling and much more.
Occasionally the EDM department is called on to modify other tools, such as carbide cutters, or Sandvik inserts. Some operations require special cutters and EDM is the way to go.
The automatic tool changer and pallet changer have dramatically transformed the way work is done in a modern tool shop. It is quite common to load the machine up with electrodes, the System 3R WorkPartner with workpieces and let it run for days on end.
Randy Hough has a website: http://CompleteEDM.com that talks about mold repair.