METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING MULTI-PIECE BONDED GRAPHITE BLANKS FOR EDM

摘要

A method of manufacturing a two-piece or composite graphite blank applicable for EDM or other similar needs. The composite electrode will combine a low cost backer substrate material manufactured to size for fixture holding without additional machining for attachment with a high cost material sufficient for the EDM process. The two pieces will be physically attached by an adhesive suitable for bonding graphite or copper impregnated graphite. The pre no-machining backer material sized for fixture holding reduces waste and machining costs for end users.

主权项

1. A method for creating a multi-piece bonded graphic blanks comprising the steps of:
determining the size and shape of a backer substrate with respect to a holding fixture; determining the size and shape of an electrode substrate; cutting two pieces of graphite into a desired shape; choosing a surface on the backer and electrode substrates to be placed back to back for bonding machining a first, chosen surface of the backer substrate flat in preparation for the adhesive; machining a first, chosen surface of the electrode substrate flat in preparation for the adhesive; applying a film of adhesive to the first machined surface of the electrode substrate in the same size and shape of the first machined surface of the backer substrate; placing the machines surfaces back to back for bonding; placing the bonding surfaces of the backer and electrode back to back and aligned; applying a mechanical pressure to the backer and electrode by a clamping device, heating the combined backer and electrode, now held together with the clamping device until the adhesive is cured; allowing the adhesive to cure; providing a cool down time upon completion of the heating cycle; and removing the clamping force from the finished EDM blank.