Services

Sinker EDM

Sinker EDM, also called cavity type EDM or volume EDM, consists of an electrode and workpiece submerged in an insulating liquid such as oil. The power supply generates an electrical potential between the electrode and the workpiece. As the electrode approaches the workpiece, dielectric breakdown occurs in the fluid, forming a plasma channel, and a small spark jumps.

These sparks usually strike one at a time. These sparks happen in huge numbers at seemingly random locations between the electrode and the workpiece. As the base metal is eroded, and the spark gap subsequently increased, the electrode is lowered automatically by the machine so that the process can continue uninterrupted. Several hundred thousand sparks occur per second.

With our experienced and knowledgeable staff Apollo is one of the leaders of EDM in the country. We can build all of our own electrodes or use ones provided by our customers.

Wire EDM

Wire EDM, also known as wire-cut EDM and wire cutting, a thin single-strand metal wire, usually brass, is fed through the workpiece, submerged in a tank of dielectric fluid. Wire-cut EDM is typically used to cut plates as thick as 300mm and to make punches, tools, and dies from hard metals that are difficult to machine with other methods.

The wire, which is constantly fed from a spool, is held between upper and lower guides which can move along many different axes. This allows the wire-cut EDM to be programmed to cut very intricate and delicate shapes. The wire-cut process uses water as its dielectric fluid, controlling its resistivity and other electrical properties with filters and de-ionizer units. The water flushes the cut debris away from the cutting zone. Flushing is an important factor in determining the maximum feed rate for a given material thickness.

Apollo can hold a tight tolerance of +/- .0002 when needed, and provide a nice surface finish. We can handle small and large tooling up to 5000 lbs., with a 17’’ thickness. Our staff of (9) Wire EDM operators have extensive knowledge and experience, who can answer any of your Wire EDM questions or concerns and allows us to operate 3 shifts around the clock. We have 15 wire machines at three facilities so we almost always have a machine available for any emergency.

CNC Milling

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Milling utilizes computer controls to cut different materials. They are able to translate programs to various locations and depths. The machines consist of large enclosed spaces so the machine can safely perform the cuts.

With our 30,000 RPM spindle and all diamond tooling we can accurately cut electrodes on precision palleting systems.

Fast Hole EDM

High-speed EDM hole drilling was designed especially for fast, accurate small- and deep-hole drilling applications. Small holes that were once almost impossible to drill by conventional machine tools are now being performed with ease. With the capability of drilling through virtually any conductive material, the use of this technology is continually expanding.

The process consists of using a precision tubular electrode mounted into the drill chuck located on the "Z" axis and held in location on top of the workpiece by the ceramic guide. The top of the workpiece is located and the drilling depth is set. The electrode rotation is turned on and the deionized water solution, which is pressurized between 50 and 100 kg/cm2, is sent through the tubular electrode as a flushing agent.

The power supply parameters are set and the discharge is turned on to begin the drilling cycle. At the end of the drilling cycle, the discharge is turned off and the "Z" axis is retracted above the workpiece.

Grinding

At Apollo we do all our own form, flat, and jig grinding. This is one of our strong points in machining as it allows us to have total control over a job whether using electrodes or steel when we are building jobs to complete. Our staff has all the tools and experience needed to complete even the most precision jobs.

About Apollo Services

In the last two decades the variety of possible EDM work has changed substantially. Many of today's successful EDM companies have taken to specializing in a particular area of work such as mold/die building and repair, medical device manufacturing, or electronic component engineering. This allows these companies to focus their efforts toward finding an effective and profitable way to serve one particular industry.

Of course, with any developing industry the demand for any one job changes as the the industry evolves. This can lead to a drastic reduction in business if a company becomes too specialized in one field and subsequently loses all their business. This is the importance of Apollo's versatility. Apollo EDM has the experience, flexibility, creativity, and equipment to tackle any job our clients need. Our company philosophy is to always challenge the possibilities of the industry and strive to find solutions to any challenges we may face.

If you have questions about any of the services that Apollo provides please visit our Contacts Page to call, email, or message us.