Sep 14, 2024  
2024-2025 College Catalog 
    
2024-2025 College Catalog

MAC 140 - Introduction to Electrical Discharge Machining

4 Credits, 6 Contact Hours
2 lecture periods 4 lab periods
Applications for electrical discharge machining (EDM). Includes EDM machines, processes, spark generation, dielectric fluids, manufacturing of electrodes, and surface finishes.

Prerequisite(s): MAC 110  
Information: Prerequisite(s) may be waived with faculty approved industry experience.
Button linking to AZ Transfer course equivalency guide    button image Prior Learning and link to PLA webpage

Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Discuss EDM machine types, applications, nomenclature, and safety.
  2. Describe EDM basic machine functions and processes.
  3. Describe power supplies, spark generation, cycle time, power settings, and dielectric fluids.
  4. Demonstrate proper electrode selection, fabrication, and describe their properties.
  5. Demonstrate methods of achieving various surface finishes and finished burn sizes.

Outline:
  1. Overview of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
    1. Safety procedures
    2. Origins and development of EDM
    3. Machine types and applications in industry
    4. EDM nomenclature
  2. EDM Machines and Processes
    1. Ram EDM (die-sinkers)
    2. EDM machines
    3. Machine set-ups 
    4. Material removal
    5. Flushing
  3. Spark Generation and Dielectric Fluids
    1. Power supplies
    2. Cycle times
    3. Volts and amps
    4. Spark Gap
    5. Dielectric fluids
  4. Electrodes
    1. Selection and types
    2. Fabrication
    3. Overcut
    4. Wear 
  5. Surface Finishes
    1. Surface finish considerations
    2. Duty cycle and finish


Effective Term:
Fall 2016