Some parts are so small that they simply can’t be machined using traditional methods. We call these “sneeze parts” because they’re tiny and lightweight enough that a sneeze would send them flying to the floor. 

When you need to machine tiny parts—or, for that matter, extremely small features on parts of any size—wire electric discharge machining (EDM) is the best choice for the job. 

To better serve our customers in industries that require small part manufacturing, such as medical and aerospace, Arbiser Machine has made our wire EDM services a top priority. 

Why Choose Wire EDM for Small Parts? 

Many of the parts we manufacture with wire EDM are so minuscule that you could hold 50 of them in your hand at once! Let’s explore why this method is perfect for small part machining.

Precision

Our standard wires measure 0.010” in diameter, but we can drop down to 0.004” or even 0.003” (the diameter of a human hair!) for micro wire EDM. These exceptionally thin wires enable us to achieve incredible precision when manufacturing tiny parts and intricate features, putting us in a league of our own compared to many other shops. 

In fact, wire EDM is an ideal solution for achieving small features on parts of any size. When we need to shape an intricate feature or make a precise cut like a taper or a sharp internal corner, we can always rely on our wire EDM machining services. 

Consistency 

During conventional precision machining operations, ostensibly identical cuts made from one part to the next can actually vary slightly depending on the age and condition of the cutting tool. These minor inconsistencies may be inconsequential for larger components, but when parts are the size of a Tic Tac, even the smallest variations can pose a major problem.

Fortunately, this problem doesn’t occur with wire EDM because the wire is continuously refreshed as it moves through the material. A fresh wire ensures unbeatable consistency and repeatability.

Material compatibility 

When customers request tiny aerospace or medical parts, they often need hard metals such as tool steel, stainless steel, titanium, and Inconel. These materials are challenging to cut using conventional precision machining tools. 

Wire EDM, however, uses an electric discharge process to remove material from a workpiece and is therefore capable of cutting even the hardest materials—the one caveat is that they must be conductive.  

Choose Arbiser Machine for Wire EDM Machining Services

Arbiser Machine is so well-known for wire EDM capabilities that other shops with their own wire EDM services come to us when they need micro wire EDM for tiny parts! 

We also offer micro-hole drilling, a precise EDM drilling technique that provides increased capability over conventional drilling. And if you need larger parts, we can cut those, too. Wire EDM is capable of cutting material up to 16” thick and 1,000 pounds.

We’re proud to be part of a small (pun intended!) segment of shops that can machine tiny parts and intricate features using wire EDM technology. Got a big need for small parts? Request a quote today.