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Adding the element zinc to copper produces brass EDM wire, which is the most commonly used EDM wire today. Brass wire for EDM is typically an alloy with a copper/zinc ratio between 63/37 (US and Europe) to 65/35 (Asia). Zinc has a lower melting/vapor point which makes it a better electrode material than copper, so the more zinc on the surface of the EDM wire, the faster the cut. However, fabrication difficulties arise when the volume of zinc approaches 40% and its crystal structure transitions to the gamma phase, causing the wire to become very brittle and difficult to draw. However, there are two copper wires with a content of 60/40 Cu/Zn for faster cutting speeds.
The tensile strength of brass wire can range from 54,000-173,000psi, depending on the composition of the alloy and its temper. Brass wire is usually a shiny brass color. Dull, dull, or spotted or discolored brass wire surfaces indicate oxidation or contamination.
Brass wire is a good all-around utility wire that can be used in most modern machines. Tool steels and most metals can be cut economically with plain brass wire. Hardness (elongation) ranges from <2% to over 30%. Lower elongation wires can be threaded reliably, but have limited taper capability. Conversely, high-elongation wire can be tapered to 45°, but threading reliability will be greatly reduced.
EDM brass wire display
EDM brass wire usages
Quanshuo Metal Materials Co., Ltd. is a leading supplier of steel and other metal products in China. As an ISO9001:2015 certified enterprise, the products we produce meet the standards of ASTM, AISI, BS, DIN, JIS, etc.
