System for positioning and transferring EDM electrodes

摘要

In a multiple axis electrical discharge machine having a pair of indexable turrets each of which carries a plurality of electrode cartridges each with a supply of electrodes, the improvement of individually releasable electrodes in each cartridge which are configured to be transferred to a tool holder to be precisely positioned therein; the machine further includes a programmable electrode tool holder carousel and opposed tool carriers for moving preselected combinations of tool holders and electrodes between an electrode transfer station and a tool changer for transferring the selected electrode to a servo driven spindle head.