---
title: Precision Wire EDM Machining | Wire EDM Parts | Ardel Engineering
description: At Ardel Engineering and Manufacturing, we utilize electrical discharge machining (EDM) processes to create precision parts with very tight tolerances.
---

Skip to Content

In the wire electrical discharge machining process, a thin, electrically charged wire is used to erode material in very small volumes.

The rate of material removal is dependent on the diameter of the wire and thickness of the work piece; larger diameters are used to make efficient rough cuts, while fine wire is used to meet tight dimensional tolerances and provide a very clean surface finish that requires no secondary grinding or honing. 

[![What is Wire EDM?](https://www.ardelengineering.com/hubfs/img/Small@1x.png "What is Wire EDM?")](https://www.ardelengineering.com/hubfs/img/Small@1x.png) [Click to Enlarge](https://www.ardelengineering.com/hubfs/img/Small@1x.png)

While wire EDM can be used to machine any conductive materials, it is most often employed for applications that require the machining of high strength alloys such as tool steels, Hastelloy™ and Monel, because the original property of the metal is preserved. Machining these materials using traditional milling methods is cumbersome as they can cause rapid wear of cutting tools and work harden as they are machined. Using a wire EDM, we can hold tolerances as tight as ±0.0001” on parts up to 12” in length, 10” in width, and 8” in height.

As a result of its ability to cut fine part features in hardened alloys, EDM is a natural choice in the machining of fixtures, inspection gauges, and other profile or contour work. This type of work is typically low volume, made from hardened materials, and requires a high degree of precision, factors that all lend themselves to electrical discharge machining. We can also use our EDM equipment to produce prototypes of extrusions for testing before customers invest in hard tooling, potentially saving customers thousands in engineering changes and production delays.

Our dedication to providing the highest quality machined parts is backed by [ISO 9001:2015](https://www.ardelengineering.com/iso-certification) certification, as well as a wealth of experience in the aerospace, medical, and commercial manufacturing industries. The lead time for prototype parts is typically 2 to 3 weeks with production generally requiring 4 to 6 weeks. We can also expedite rush orders for customers as needed to prevent costly downtime.

For additional information about our precision wire electrical discharge machining capabilities, please refer to the specification table below or [contact us directly](https://www.ardelengineering.com/contact). 

## Max Part Dimension

- X-12"
- Y-10"
- Z-8"

## Materials (Metals)

- Alloy Steels
- Aluminum
- Austenitic Stainless
- Brass
- Bronze Alloys
- Carbide
- Carbon Steel
- Cobalt
- Copper
- Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN)
- Iron
- Lead
- Magnesium
- Martensitic Stainless
- Nickel
- Stainless Steel
- Tin
- Titanium
- Tool Steel

## Materials (Exotic & Precious Metals)

- Gold
- Hastelloy™
- Inconel™
- Molybdenum
- Monel
- Platinum
- Silver
- Waspaloy

## Tolerance (+/-)

- ±.0001"
- ±.00254 mm

## Lead Times Available

- Prototype 2-3 weeks (typical)
- Production is 4-6 weeks (typical)
- Quoted on job by job basis
- Emergency services available
- Rush services available

## Industry Standards

- ANSI
- American National Standards Institute
- AS 9001
- Aerospace Industry Standard
- ASME
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- ASTM
- American Society for Testing and Materials
- AWS
- American Welding Society
- CSA
- Canadian Standards Association
- DOT
- Department of Transportation
- FDA
- Food And Drug Administration
- ISO 9001:2008 (certified)
- ISO 13485 (certified)
- International Organization for Standardization
- Mil-Spec
- Military Specifications
- NADCAP
- National Aerospace And Defense Contractors Accreditation Program
- QS
- QS Is a quality standard developed by the Automotive Industries.
- RoHS
- Restriction Of Hazardous Substances (Compliant)
- SAE
- Society of Automotive Engineers
- ITAR (certified)
- International Traffic in Arms Regulations
- TS
- Technical Specifications, used with ISO

## Efficiency

- Six Sigma Practices
- Lights Out Manufacturing
- Lean Manufacturing

[## Cost Effective Design Tipsfor Machining Complex Parts

Many steps go into manufacturing a complex part, which is why it is crucial to maintain a cooperative effort across all departments in order to achieve high quality, cost effective parts. Explore how to achieve this goal in our in-depth eBook that offers design tips for machining parts.

Download the eBook +

![Cost Effective Design Tips for Machining Complex Parts](https://www.ardelengineering.com/hubfs/img/img-cost-effective-tips-ebook.png?t=1465245220517 "Cost Effective Design Tips for Machining Complex Parts")

](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/ctas/v2/public/cs/c/?cta_guid=d0912283-229d-4d9d-9e58-b898c38722ef&placement_guid=f69bc7f5-8804-4f7d-a048-e74a48e9c01c&portal_id=451906&redirect_url=APefjpEuKpIdmQQ3J8TCp62141_PQuYrQpHo9qs9WDqN0m7m71MXxsiw5FSXx8VXt-v15FoZKicfxdF-lJpD2busBN3Qx9L0Z47b-Ej03mUvEU-cSk-ObDyhgJ2fywmnrpyMfMFeh0KThQNndbBquzkHHaLBC6zJDxPIADTvKvEa3PmGdHn5W__K_S90zxdHTkyzAN5z8YBeZlZw7lMJQNLiQW9Jqac6T8qKxaIFTm1jmrEAPcj0EGGbrDtqHRZfjXr73s6Vec9o-WvWJVLoReudeLrieeD6j21UayUqxmxhp7XefL_GAAI&hsutk=109a453b13bf40946e2453cb6a76b0db&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ardelengineering.com%2F%3Fhs_preview%3DKh_R4U2i-4138327941&canon=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ardelengineering.com%2F)

[CNC Vertical & Horizontal Milling](https://www.ardelengineering.com/cnc-vertical-horizontal-milling) [Swiss Screw Machining & Turning](https://www.ardelengineering.com/swiss-screw-machining) [Inspection](https://www.ardelengineering.com/inspection-services) [Wire EDM](https://www.ardelengineering.com/wire-edm) [Value Added Services](https://www.ardelengineering.com/value-added-services)

## From the Blog

- ### [How Milling Strategy Changes with the Material: Vertical vs. Horizontal Approaches](https://www.ardelengineering.com/blog/vertical-and-horizontal-milling-for-different-materials)
  
  Not all materials behave the same under a cutting tool. Ardel Engineering tailors our machining approach to the material we’re working with, and that starts with choosing the right milling machine. Whether we’re working with metals or plastics, we use both vertical and horizontal milling to bring out the best in every part.
  
  
  
  
  
  [Read More](https://www.ardelengineering.com/blog/vertical-and-horizontal-milling-for-different-materials)
- ### [CMMC 2.0 Level 2 Cybersecurity](https://www.ardelengineering.com/blog/cmmc-2.0-level-2-cybersecurity)
  
  Cybersecurity is a crucial concern for many businesses, especially aerospace and defense companies. Ensuring data security protects not only the reputation of the organization but also its customers and stakeholders. To achieve this, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) has created a cybersecurity framework known as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
  
  
  
  
  
  [Read More](https://www.ardelengineering.com/blog/cmmc-2.0-level-2-cybersecurity)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "Organization",
  "name" : "Ardel Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc.",
  "sameAs" : [ "https://twitter.com/ArdelEngMfg", "https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ardel-Engineering-and-Manufacturing-Inc/275176629208362", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/ardel-engineering" ],
  "url" : "https://www.ardelengineering.com/"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://www.schema.org",
  "@type" : "localbusiness",
  "address" : {
    "@type" : "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry" : "United States",
    "addressLocality" : "New Hope",
    "addressRegion" : "MN",
    "postalCode" : "55428-3622",
    "streetAddress" : "9335 Science Center Drive"
  },
  "image" : "https://www.ardelengineering.com/hs-fs/hub/451906/file-2564114326-png/img/ardel-logo.png",
  "name" : "Ardel Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc.",
  "priceRange" : "$$",
  "sameAs" : [ "https://www.thomasnet.com/profile/01160113/ardel-engineering-manufacturing-co-inc-.html", "https://www.superpages.com/bp/new-hope-mn/ardel-engineering-manufacturing-inc-L2233527091.htm", "https://www.bunity.com/ardel-engineering", "https://www.hotfrog.com/company/1329090676899840", "https://www.usaopps.com/government_contractors/contractor-6055584-ARDEL-ENGINEERING-MANUFACTURIN.htm", "https://www.whitepages.com/business/MN/Minneapolis/Ardel-Engineering-And-Manufacturing-Inc/b-1hsvjua", "https://www.yelp.com/biz/ardel-engineering-and-manufacturing-company-minneapolis", "https://www.mapquest.com/us/minnesota/business-minneapolis/ardel-engineering-mfg-inc-7196400", "https://www.manta.com/c/mmcbrzv/ardel-engineering-manufacturing-inc", "https://www.2findlocal.com/b/11810616/ardel-engineering-minneapolis-mn", "https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/9903823Z:US", "https://us.kompass.com/c/ardel-engineering/us804472/" ],
  "telephone" : "763-533-5324",
  "url" : "https://www.ardelengineering.com/"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "Person",
  "additionalName" : "Frank",
  "affiliation" : "Ardel Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc.",
  "jobTitle" : "President",
  "name" : "Frank Pichelman",
  "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-pichelman-96448a14", "https://www.intelius.com/people/Franklin-Pichelman/Wayzata-MN/0CENBE2AC37" ],
  "url" : "https://www.ardelengineering.com/"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "VideoObject",
  "contentUrl" : "https://youtu.be/tt40UZ_1Tj8",
  "description" : "At Ardel Engineering and Manufacturing, we utilize electrical discharge machining (EDM) processes to create precision parts with very tight tolerances.",
  "duration" : "PT2M1S",
  "embedUrl" : "https://youtu.be/tt40UZ_1Tj8",
  "name" : "What is Wire EDM",
  "potentialAction" : {
    "@type" : "SeekToAction",
    "startOffset-input" : "required name=seek_to_second_number",
    "target" : "https://youtu.be/tt40UZ_1Tj8={seek_to_second_number}"
  },
  "thumbnailUrl" : "https://youtu.be/tt40UZ_1Tj8",
  "uploadDate" : "2023-01-06"
}
```