J Mater Sci Technol ›› 2002, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (06): 572-574.

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

RP-based Abrading Technique for Graphite EDM Electrode

Yiping TANG, Hongzhi ZHOU, Jun HONG, Bingheng LU   

  1. Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
  • Received:2001-08-05 Revised:2002-01-21 Online:2002-11-28 Published:2009-10-10
  • Contact: Yiping TANG

Abstract: Traditional processes for machining mold cavities are lengthy and costly. EDM (electro-discharge machining) is the most commonly used technique to obtain complex mold cavities. However, some electrodes are difficult to fabricate because of the complexity. Applying RP (rapid prototyping) technology to fabricate an abrading tool which is used to abrade graphite EDM electrodes, the cost and cycle time can greatly be reduced. The paper describes the work being conducted in this area by the authors. This technique will find widespread application in rapid steel mold manufacturing.

Key words: Rapid prototyping, EDM, Electrode, Abrading