EDM ELECTRODES BY SOLID FREE - FORM FABRICATION

摘要

Solid free-form fabrication is used to make EDM electrodes (40, 60, 70) having improved structural and/or performance features. Included among the features are flushing conduits (78) that terminate upon work surfaces (46, 66) upon which such termination was previously unavailable or upon porosity that itself terminates on a work surface (46, 66). Also included among such features are conduit wall protrusions (96) which reduce or eliminate sprues on the workpiece surface and the inclusion of chambers (64) that reduce the amount of material needed to make the EDM electrode (40, 60, 70).