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This document describes the design and construction of a simple self-acting spark erosion machine intended for model engineers. It uses a capacitor charged to 60 volts that discharges through a tool when it contacts a conductive workpiece, creating a spark that erodes a small amount of material. As the current passes through a solenoid coil, it lifts the tool away from the workpiece to extinguish the arc. The tool then falls back down to contact the workpiece and repeat the process about 20 times per second. Drawings and a list of basic electrical components are provided, which can be constructed for around £25.

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377 views

EDM

This document describes the design and construction of a simple self-acting spark erosion machine intended for model engineers. It uses a capacitor charged to 60 volts that discharges through a tool when it contacts a conductive workpiece, creating a spark that erodes a small amount of material. As the current passes through a solenoid coil, it lifts the tool away from the workpiece to extinguish the arc. The tool then falls back down to contact the workpiece and repeat the process about 20 times per second. Drawings and a list of basic electrical components are provided, which can be constructed for around £25.

Uploaded by

wool8796
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A Simple Self-Acting Spark Erosion Machine Introduction This machine has been designed with the requirements of the

Model Engineer in mind, requiring minimum financial outlay, straightforward construction and little electrical knowledge. Its main use is envisaged to be the removal of broken drills or taps, but it can also be used to create holes of any shape in any conductive material, including hardened steels. Its mode of operation differs from typical industrial machines and many previous designs based on similar principles which have been published in model engineering magazines. As is normal in industrial use, the work is submerged in a bath of paraffin so that the sparking between tool and work takes place without the presence of air, so avoiding oxidation (burning). The paraffin also aids dispersal of erosion debris. Fire risk appears to be minimal, but precautions should be taken such as having a fire extinguisher available. In operation the tool is connected to a capacitor charged to about 60 volts so that an arc discharge occurs when it contacts the workpiece. The discharge and recharge currents pass through a solenoid coil, which applies a lift force to the tool raising it from the workpiece and extinguishing the arc. Whilst the current continues, recharging the capacitor, the lift force holds the tool plunger against an upper stop until the current ceases when the discharge capacitor is fully recharged. The tool plunger then falls under gravity until the tool contacts the workpiece again, and the cycle repeats. Construction Drawings of the prototype are attached. Most dimensions are not critical and can be changed to suit materials and thread sizes that happen to be available. It is important to ensure that the tool plunger slides freely in the bearing block, and that the armature does not contact the bore of the solenoid, causing friction. The solenoid and tool assembly must be mounted so that it can be held at an adjustable height above the work, whilst being electrically isolated from the work. The drawings show this being achieved by interposing sheet plastic material between the tool/solenoid assembly and its stand, and sleeving the securing screws with insulating material. The drawings show an anti-rotation stop fitted to prevent rotation of the tool as it oscillates vertically. This is unnecessary if it is only intended to make circular holes or remove taps, etc. The electrical components are available from suppliers such as RS Components, and should not cost more than about 25 total. The 7 ohm resistors should be capable of dissipating 10 watts, so are likely to be wirewound types. Note that the discharge current from the discharge capacitor through the tool/workpiece is quite large, so wire cross-section should be at least 4 sq. mm.in this part of the circuit and terminals should be adequately sized. The cable to the tool must, of course, be flexible. Operation Tools are normally made from copper, but brass is also suitable. Hollow (tubular) tools are ideal as they minimise the amount of metal to be removed. Set the height of the solenoid/tool assembly initially so that the tool rests on the work with about 3 mm lift available before hitting the upper stop, then switch on. Repetition rate should be about 20 per second. If deep drilling is needed it will be necessary to lower the solenoid/tool periodically to maintain the lift height which affects the repetition rate.

Derek Lynas 2008

Spark Eroder Main Electrical Components

Item 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Description Transformer, 50V, 50VA Bridge rectifier, 200V, 1.7A Reservoir capacitor, 2200 mfd Discharge capacitor, 250 mfd Series resistor, 6R8, 15W Suppression diode, 100V, 1A Switches and connectors

Quantity 1 1 1 1 1 1

RS Part No. 504-329 261-491 180-2122 839-044 160-433 348-5397

Price, 9.60 1.05 5.41 2.92 1.94 0.06 3.00

Approx. total cost

20.98

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