Faster milling of EDM electrodes with retrofit CNC package

A precision moldmaker desiring to compete more efficiently against rivals with computer numerical control (CNC) equipment opted to retrofit his milling machine with a CNC retrofit package. The action has enabled the mold manufacturer to boost electrical discharge machining (EDM) electrode throughput by a factor of more than seven to one and streamline its EDM die sinking. The enhancement allows him to program the shape of a complex EDM electrode in 45 minutes and mill the part in 30 minutes.
Dana Heckendorf of D. Heck Tool LLC (Thompson, Connecticut), a precision moldmaker working out of his garage, wanted to compete with bigger shops that had Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment. [...]