U-shaped Curved Hole Creation by Means of Electrical Discharge Machining

Abstract

This study deals with machining curved holes, aiming at application to water channels for cooling molds. In general, water channels have been manufactured by drilling operation. Therefore, they cannot help being polygonal-line-shaped pipe lines. This prevents the improvement of productivity. To solve the problem, we developed a new mechanism to machine curved holes, which is installed on an electrical discharge machine. The mechanism can make an electrode move along a curved trajectory simultaneously with performing electrical discharge machining. From experimental results, it is found that the mechanism is capable of machining U-shaped curved holes, difficult to create in a conventional manner.