Electric discharge machining (EDM) is a process that uses electrical sparks to erode and shape a workpiece. It is commonly used in the manufacturing industry to create complex shapes and contours on metal parts. However, the quality of the EDM process is highly dependent on the quality of the working fluid, which is typically ultra-pure water.
To achieve the necessary level of purity, the water used in EDM must be treated with a combination of processes, including filtration, deionization, and reverse osmosis. This results in a water quality that is typically referred to as "ultra-pure," with a conductivity level below 0.1 µS/cm.
In addition to ultra-pure water, the EDM process can also benefit from the use of mixed-bed resin, which helps remove any remaining impurities in the water. This resin consists of two types of ion exchange resins, one that removes cations and another that removes anions. When used together, they can effectively remove almost all impurities from the water.
The use of mixed-bed resin is particularly important in EDM because even trace amounts of impurities can affect the quality of the process. Impurities can cause a change in the spark frequency, which can lead to inconsistent cuts or even damage to the workpiece. Additionally, impurities can contribute to the formation of electrochemical reactions, which can result in the formation of undesirable surface finishes.
Overall, the use of ultra-pure water and mixed-bed resin in EDM is essential for achieving the high-quality results that are required in modern manufacturing. By ensuring that the water used in the process is free of impurities and contaminants, manufacturers can create complex and precise parts with confidence.


