Abstract
This paper describes a new method for micro-EDM drilling which utilizes the wear of rod electrode. With this method, a pair of micro rod and micro hole can be machined in a single process, while with conventional methods, the micro rod electrode needs to be formed before machining the micro hole. Processing conditions were optimized for the new method to obtain higher aspect ration for the micro rods. Results of experiments also showed the following : 1) This method can be applied to various kinds of steel materials and any electrode diameter size. 2) When many holes are machined using the same electrode, the electrode shape is regenerated with excellent repeatability and holes can be processed efficiently. 3) The influence of carbon adhering to the tip region of the rod electrode is large, which is why the rod electrode becomes needle sharp.
