Introduction
Bearings are important components in most machinery and devices. Over time, the normal wear and tear of running a machine causes wear and tear on the bearings, resulting in the need to replace them frequently. Unfortunately, bearings are also prone to another type of wear called electrical erosion. Electrical erosion, also known as electrical discharge machining (EDM), is a process in which sparks generated by an electric current vaporize metal, resulting in an alteration of the bearing surface. This erosion can lead to premature failure of the bearing and a decrease in the life expectancy of the machine.
History of Electrical Erosion
Electrical erosion has been in use since the 1940s and was first used to make automotive parts. The technology has since evolved to become a fundamental component of the production process in many manufacturing activities. It is used to produce a wide variety of components for a variety of applications, including bearing components. Because of its ability to create precise and accurate shapes, EDM has become commonplace in the bearing manufacturing industry.
How Does Electrical Erosion Work?
In EDM, an electrical current is used to vaporize metal from the bearing surface in a controlled manner. A small spark is created and then directed at the bearing surface, which melts and evaporates the metal particles in a precise pattern. This process is repeated until the desired shape is achieved. The process is highly accurate and does not affect the underlying surface material, which helps maintain the integrity of the bearing.
Benefits of Electrical Erosion
EDM offers several distinct advantages over traditional machining processes. First, it is able to create very precise shapes with very little material loss. This is important in bearing manufacturing, where exacting dimensions are critical to proper functioning. Additionally, EDM is capable of machining a wide variety of materials and is able to machine hard-to-reach areas. Furthermore, EDM requires very little in the way of tooling and is often used in the production of low-volume items.
Drawbacks of Electrical Erosion
Unfortunately, electrical discharge machining also presents several drawbacks. The process is often expensive and time-consuming, particularly for large or complex parts. Additionally, the sparks created can damage the underlying material, creating voids and weakening the bearing. Furthermore, unlike traditional machining, EDM does not generate heat, which could affect the material’s integrity.
Conclusion
Electrical erosion, or electrical discharge machining, is a process in which metal particles are vaporized from the surface of a bearing in a controlled manner. Though EDM offers distinct advantages over traditional machining, such as greater accuracy, it also has its drawbacks including increased cost, time, and potential damage to the bearing material.