EDM Sectioning
Precision cutting for advanced inspection and metrologyOur in-house Wire EDM capability allows us to precisely section complex components, providing access to internal features and surfaces that would otherwise be difficult to measure.
Using the Makino U6 H.E.A.T. Wire EDM, we can combine precision sectioning with 3D scanning and dimensional inspection to create a complete metrology workflow, from the initial measurement of a component through to detailed inspection of its internal geometry.
Why EDM Precision Sectioning?
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Access internal geometry for detailed measurement and inspection
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Extremely precise cutting with minimal material loss
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Section large, complex or difficult-to-inspect components
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Reduce the number of cuts and subsequent digital reconstruction required
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Combine EDM with 3D scanning and dimensional inspection
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Suitable for complex and difficult-to-machine materials
Precision cuts. Better inspection data.
Our Makino U6 H.E.A.T. Wire EDM allows us to accurately control where and how a component is sectioned.
The machine can cut to four microns and use wire down to 0.10 mm diameter where minimising material loss is important. Alternative wire sizes and cutting strategies allow us to balance precision, material loss and cutting time around the individual component and inspection requirement.
For complex geometry, we can also combine 3D scanning with adaptive machining to create 3D cut paths, giving us greater flexibility over how internal features are accessed.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
The complete component is scanned to validate the required section position before cutting. Once sectioned, newly exposed surfaces can be captured using optical 3D scanning and aligned with the original measurement data for dimensional inspection and CAD comparison.
Determine Section Position → 3D Scan & Validate → Precision Cut → Scan Internals → Digitally Assemble → Inspect, Compare & Report
Keeping the complete process with Delta XD also reduces third-party handling and lead times, while giving us control over the relationship between the cut, the component and the resulting measurement data.
Built for components of all sizes
With a 650 × 450 × 420 mm working area and maximum workpiece size of 1,000 × 800 × 400 mm, our EDM capability accommodates everything from intricate components to larger castings.
The machine can produce tapers of ±15° as standard, with angles up to 45° possible following prior discussion, and can achieve a surface finish of <2.5 Ra.
Wire EDM works with electrically conductive metals regardless of hardness, making it suitable for steels, aluminium, titanium and difficult-to-machine nickel-based alloys.
From inspection to Reverse Engineering
EDM also expands the data we can capture when reverse engineering components with little or no original CAD.
By recording the external geometry before sectioning and scanning previously hidden surfaces afterwards, our engineers have more information available to reconstruct the complete component in CAD.
This can be particularly useful for legacy, obsolete or one-off parts where only a single physical example is available.
What Can We Inspect
Precision sectioning can support dimensional inspection of internal cavities, cooling passages, wall thickness, core position and core shift, internal profiles and feature locations.
This makes the process particularly relevant to turbine blades, investment castings and other complex components within the aerospace, automotive and casting industries.
The resulting measurement data can be used for dimensional validation, CAD comparison and First Article Inspection (FAI) where inaccessible internal characteristics need to be assessed.
