EDM PROCESS A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE FLOW RATE OF DIELECTRIC AS A FUNCTION OF GAP IMPEDANCE

摘要

A method and apparatus for use in an EDM process for controlling the flow rate of dielectric through a machining gap as a function of the magnitude of gap impedance. An apparatus is provided for detecting variations in the magnitude of gap impedance and producing an output signal representative thereof. The variations in gap impedance are used to change the flow rate of dielectric through the gap. The flow rate may increase thus cleansing the gap of debris, or it may decrease and create a limited concentration of debris to facilitate the breakdown of the gap.