Wire EDM for Stainless Steel 304

Wire EDM of 304 stainless is an excellent alternative to milling for complex profiles, as EDM is unaffected by work-hardening. The material cuts predictably with good surface finish.

Recommended Machining Parameters

ParameterValue
Achievable Tolerances±0.005 mm
Surface FinishRa 0.2-0.8 μm
Cutting SpeedModerate — lower conductivity than aluminum
Feed RateAuto-tuned by EDM controller
Tooling RecommendationsBrass wire 0.20-0.25mm. Coated wire for faster roughing.

Expert Machining Tips

1

No work-hardening concern with EDM

2

Multiple skim cuts for mirror finish

3

Deionized water dielectric standard

4

Good choice for intricate medical device features

Common Parts Made

Medical device profiles

Surgical instrument features

Complex valve seats

Stencils and screens

Machining Challenges

  • Slower than aluminum due to lower conductivity
  • Recast layer may affect corrosion resistance

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