# EDM Electrodes

> An EDM electrode cannot be quoted correctly from nominal cavity geometry alone. The RFQ must state electrode material, spark-gap compensation ownership, roughing or finishing role, holder and datum system, burn depth, quantity, identification and inspection method.

- Market: mold-tooling
- HTML page: https://fabvector.com/solutions/edm-electrodes (Portuguese: https://fabvector.com/pt/solutions/edm-electrodes)
- Industry hub: https://fabvector.com/industries/mold-tooling
- Quote: https://fabvector.com/quote

## Components and applications

- Roughing and finishing cavity electrodes
- Rib and deep-feature electrodes
- Text and logo burn electrodes
- Repair and modification electrodes

## Recommended manufacturing route

1. Confirm the CAD compensation and burn sequence.
2. Machine the holder datum and electrode geometry.
3. Protect fragile ribs and finish the active surface.
4. Inspect, serialize and pack by burn operation.

## Drawing and RFQ controls

| Control | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Spark gap | State whether the supplied model is nominal or already compensated. |
| Holder datum | Define the reference system and any pre-mounted holder requirement. |
| Burn sequence | Identify rough, semi-finish and finish electrodes distinctly. |

## Recommended materials

- [copper-c110](https://fabvector.com/md/materials/copper-c110): Detailed copper electrodes with good conductivity.
- [aluminum-6061](https://fabvector.com/md/materials/aluminum-6061): Holder plates and setup hardware.
- [tool-steel-a2](https://fabvector.com/md/materials/tool-steel-a2): Reference gauges and durable setup components.

## Related manufacturing processes

- [cnc-milling](https://fabvector.com/md/services/cnc-milling)
- [micro-machining](https://fabvector.com/md/services/micro-machining)
- [5-axis-machining](https://fabvector.com/md/services/5-axis-machining)
- [wire-edm](https://fabvector.com/md/services/wire-edm)

## Compatible finishes

- [as-machined](https://fabvector.com/md/finishes/as-machined)
- [laser-marking](https://fabvector.com/md/finishes/laser-marking)
- [polishing](https://fabvector.com/md/finishes/polishing)

## Inspection to define before production

- CMM or optical report from the holder datum
- Electrode ID tied to burn operation and CAD revision
- Protected packing for ribs and active surfaces

## Standards and documentation scope

- **Customer EDM strategy**: Spark gap, material and burn parameters remain customer or toolmaker inputs.
- **Customer holder standard**: Holder interface and datum convention must be supplied.

## Buyer questions, answered

### Should the electrode CAD include spark-gap compensation?

Either method works, but ownership must be explicit. State whether the file is final electrode geometry or nominal burn geometry and provide the compensation table by operation.

### Can electrodes be supplied mounted on holders?

Yes when the holder system, orientation, datum, torque and final inspection condition are included in the RFQ.

## Related engineering guides

- [Micro-machining capability](https://fabvector.com/services/micro-machining)
- [Mold and tooling hub](https://fabvector.com/industries/mold-tooling)