Abstract
Conventional types of electrode feeding devices consist of a screw, gears and an electromagnetic motor, or a hydraulic cylinder. Several new types of electrode feeding devices using piezoelectric devices have been developed. This paper deals with comparisons of electrode feeding devices for machining small holes with the electrical discharge machining.
The criteria of suitability to the electrode feeding device for machining small holes are proposed by considering requirements in machining small holes with EDM. The criteria are the resolution of the electrode feeding, the response of the mechanism in case of servo-control, the size of whole mechanism and the stroke of the electrode feeding.
The conventional types and the new types of electrode feeding devices are classified into mechanisms and into chucking methods. Their characteristics and the suitability are discussed. The electrode feeding devices using piezoelectric elements are suitable for machining small holes. The chucking method should be chosen according to the purpose.
