Application of Powder Laser Metal Deposition in the Manufacture of Complex-Profile Tool Electrodes for Copy-Piercing Electrical Discharge Machining

The use of powder laser metal deposition technology in the manufacture of tool electrodes (TEs) for copy-piercing electrical discharge machining (EDM) is considered. It is noted that the use of laser metal deposition technology makes it possible to create electrodes with complex geometry with high accuracy and unique material properties. The results of experimental studies on the use of grown TEs are presented. It is shown that the use of grown TEs makes it possible to obtain a specified curved relief corresponding to the required characteristics. It is also shown that the use of the laser metal deposition technology in the manufacture of a TE does not lead to its excessive wear, thereby increasing the stability of the process.