Desktop Electrical Discharge Machining

Hi everyone,

I have a need to fabricate very small parts out of very hard metal. Gears would be a good example however I need custom shapes as well.

To achieve this and after much research I have decided that I want to use Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). Given the size and scope I believe a desktop machine would be optimum. For anyone that might be curious about EDM, here is a link to Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_discharge_machining

My initial approach is to use the die-sink method, as opposed to wire EDM.  In order to create custom shapes I plan to employ a Cartesian 3D printing unit to which I will attach the EDM electrode assembly in place of the extruder and hotend.

For the control unit I plan to use a leftover main board from an upgrade to my Creality 3D printer. The reason is twofold, one is familiarity and the other is availability.  That is to say I'm familiar with Cura slicer (gcode) and the software is freely available.

If anyone would like to join me just let me know.

Best regards,

robo