| 摘要 |
The invention provides an apparatus and method for detecting an out-of-line electrode prior to the start of an electrical discharge machining (EDM) process. The invention involves positioning an electrically conductive test component in an accurately defined location relative to a workpiece. The test component has a test hole of a size and shape corresponding to the hole to be drilled in the workpiece by an electrode of an EDM machine. The electrode is then inserted into the test hole. If the electrode is correctly aligned then it will not contact the test component and no electrically conductive path will be formed between the electrode and the test component. If such contact is detected then the electrode is misaligned and the EDM process is stopped. This sequence is repeated immediately before the commencement of drilling of each hole in the workpiece. |
