High-Speed EDM of Zn Alloy for Die Making

High-strength Zn alloy (ZAPREC) was developed for improving the mechanical properties of commercial Zn alloy (ZAS). This paper describes the EDM machinability of Zn alloy for die making. The experimental results were compared with die steel (SKD11) machinability. As a result, newly developed Zn alloy gives high-speed EDM with lower electrode wear ratio under the finishing conditions. Therefore, Zn alloy with these excellent EDM machinabilities enables effective die making using three-dimensional contouring EDM by wire frame electrode.