Ivan’s Blog -EDM Pioneers celebrate 70th anniversary

As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) I want to provide a brief insight into the exceptional journey that began during World War II. This non-traditional machining process, which uses electrical discharges to remove material from a workpiece, significantly changed mold manufacturing processes worldwide. It is remarkable to reflect on the evolution starting from an innovative solution and developing into a core manufacturing technology.

The inception of EDM can be traced back to the research of Russian physicists B.R. and N.I. Lazarenko. Initially aimed at reducing wear on electric power contacts, in 1943, they invented a method to turn this negative effect into a groundbreaking machining method: EDM was born.?

Over the years, the EDM technology continued to advance, owing to the synergy with electronics. The most prominent achievements being: the invention of the Planar Transistor in 1959, then the integrated circuits in 1965, and the microprocessor by Intel in 1971, which gave the ultimate push to EDM.??

In 1952 the CHARMILLES EDM division was launched as part of Ateliers des Charmilles in Geneva.?

GF Machining Solutions, encompassing the expertise of the former companies Agie and Charmilles, has played a pivotal role in the development of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). Starting in 1954, Agie introduced the first industrial die-sinking machine which was followed by the first wire-cutting EDM machines developed in the USSR in 1957, showcasing a new dimension in EDM capabilities.?

The innovations continued with Languepin's orbiting die-sinking machine in 1960, followed by Charmilles crucial contribution with the Isopulse generator in 1964. Agie again pushed the boundaries in 1969 by introducing the first NC controlled wire cutting machine, marking a notable step in the automation of EDM.?

Further advancements included Agie's introduction of tapered cutting in 1970, enhancing the intricacy and detail possible in EDM work. In 1975, Agie developed automatic wire threading and coaxial flushing, profoundly improving the process's efficiency and reliability. Charmilles made another major contribution in 1977 with the SPAC process control, optimizing the EDM process even further.?

The integration of Fuzzytron in 1992 meant the start of the use of Artificial Intelligence in EDM, heralding a new era of intelligent machining. The new millennium saw GF Machining Solutions introducing Intelligent Power Generator (IPG) and Clean Cut generators in 2000, bringing even greater precision and efficiency to EDM. In 2013, GF MS continued their innovative streak with the introduction of generator direct power supply and the iGap high-performance die-sinking process control.?

Starting as an exotic technology, EDM has become an integral part of modern manufacturing processes, especially for applications where precision and intricate shapes are crucial. It is essential in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, energy and electronics.?

This year GF MS will celebrate the 70th anniversary of this amazing technology with special events and celebrations. We proudly uphold our legacy of being innovators by showcasing our latest and due to be launched innovations and will take the opportunity to present the recent developments of our historical facility in Losone.?