Wire EDM for Stainless Steel 304
Wire EDM of 304 stainless is an excellent alternative to milling for complex profiles, as EDM is unaffected by work-hardening. The material cuts predictably with good surface finish.
Recommended Machining Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Achievable Tolerances | ±0.02 mm |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.2-0.8 μm |
| Cutting Speed | Moderate — lower conductivity than aluminum |
| Feed Rate | Auto-tuned by EDM controller |
| Tooling Recommendations | Brass wire 0.20-0.25mm. Coated wire for faster roughing. |
Expert Machining Tips
1
No work-hardening concern with EDM
2
Multiple skim cuts for mirror finish
3
Deionized water dielectric standard
4
Good choice for intricate medical device features
Common Parts Made
Medical device profiles
Surgical instrument features
Complex valve seats
Stencils and screens
Machining Challenges
- Slower than aluminum due to lower conductivity
- Recast layer may affect corrosion resistance