| 摘要 |
<p>In an electric discharge machining apparatus the positionable driver assembly (4) houses a discharge electrode (1) that is in the form of a continuous wire in which portions of the wire are incrementally advanced from the housing as needed. For automatic control of the working portion's length an optical spark position monitor (18) monitors the position of the spark that appears at the end of the electrode and supplies that information to NC apparatus (8). A significant shift in position of the spark, indicative of electrode wear, is detected and acted upon by the apparatus (8) to automatically replenish the spent electrode portion. In another embodiment, the electrode acts as a scoop. The continuous wire, in the form of a flat ribbon, is extruded (65) in increments to form continuous segments of semi-torroidal shape as the ribbon is automatically advanced over a period from the electrode housing for discharge machining that 'scoops' material from the workpiece.</p> |
