- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Electrical Discharge Machining
Home > Modern Firearms Manufacture > Fine Forming Operations > Electrical Discharge Machining
Electrical discharge machine
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) uses an electrical arc between a shaped electrode and the work surface to burn away material to a predetermined shape. In firearms manufacture, EDM is most commonly used for the production of holes or cavities with complex shapes.
Steps in the EDM process are as follows:
- The electrode is formed to the shape needed and inserted in a pilot hole.
- Current is applied to the electrode and arcs across the gap between the electrode and the work material.
- The metal erodes to the shape dictated by the electrode.
