Feed-deviation preventive numerically controlled EDM method and apparatus

摘要

An NC-EDM machine is safeguarded against feed errors arising from both mechanical and erosive-machining effects. The disclosed safety arrangement includes two detecting circuit units. The first unit is arranged to respond to NC-furnished driving command signals for producing a first detection signal representative of a commanded relative displacement to be effected between the tool electrode and the workpiece along a programmed machining path in a given time period. The second detecting unit is arranged to respond to effective electrical discharges caused in the EDM gap to produce a second detection signal representative of an actual relative displacement effected between the tool electrode and the workpiece along the path in the given time period. A comparator is connected to the two detecting units for comparing the first and second detection signals to produce an output signal indicative of a deviation of the actual advancement from the commanded advance.