Abstract
This paper deals with a new prototyping method called a dot-matrix method by electrical discharge machining (EDM). In this method, shapes are machined on a workpiece by scanning bundled wire electrodes. The machining process by the dot-matrix method is similar to the printing process with a dot-matrix impact printer. A prototype of a machining unit has six miniaturized electrode feeding devices. It measures 55×55×80mm. Wire electrodes of 0.3mm in diameter are arranged with the pitches of 0.72mm. This machining unit can control the length of each electrode independently. Planes and slopes are machined on a silicon wafer with a planetary motion. By compensating the wear of the electrode during EDM, various shapes with the accuracy of micrometers order can be obtained. Since it is unnecessary to produce a tool electrode before machining shapes, this method is available to reduce the total machining time.
