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As we discussed ealier, this so called "Medium-Speed WEDM (MS-WEDM)" method is actually a word-for-word translation from the Chinese language. Actually, this speed-based categorization can be very confusing.

In this article, we will dig a little bit deeper in the following 5 aspects, which we also mentioned in our last sharing.

Accuracy and Surface Finish

In fact, this is the primary concern most clients inquire about first, as they would like to ask for a copy of specification sheets. By the way, reading specs can be a headache, because you might forget to ask about the context within which they quote their specs. 

This aspect looks at the result of high-level coordination between different systems integrated into a single machine. We'll talk about the WEDM ecosystem, when we get there. So, now let's start with brass wire cutters.

Brass wire EDM machines are commonly called "Low-Speed WEDM (LS-WEDM)" here in China because of the uni-directional and relatively slow motion of the wire electrode, which is predominantly different than molybdenum wire EDM machines. Meanwhile, molybdenum wire EDM machines can be ethier "High-Speed WEDM (HS-WEDM)" or "MS-WEDM", because both can use this wire type.

That being said, brass wire EDM machines can achieve super high accuracy and mirror-like surface finish, courtesy of their multi-pass cutting function, stable wire control, optimal dielectric fluids, etc., while "High-Speed" molybdenum wire EDM machines are initially designed to run fast.

As technology advances and market demand changes, manufacturers see the necessity of combining the advantages of them both, and there comes "MS-WEDM", which is designed to adapt to the multi-pass cutting technology and maintain the capability of running fast, so it can deliver accuracy and surface finish near brass WEDM quality.

Efficiency

Manufacturers want "MS-WEDM" to run at a speed close to "HS-WEDM" during the first pass while maintaining overall efficiency higher than "LS-WEDM" during finishing passes if needed. That's the balanced efficiency it aims at. 

In fact, "MS-WEDM" is developed from "HS-WEDM", so it won't be too difficult to make this happen.

Applications

This part mainly boils down to two things: material compatibility and complex geometries. Simply put, the machine has to be capable of processing a wide range of materials and be able to do taper cutting and complex contour machining. 

That's why you see a ton of 5-axis CNC WEDM machines promoted in the market. Other things, such as axis stroke, can be customized with a lot more ease, if the standard configuration doesn't meet specific needs.

This probably is the area where "MS-WEDM" shines overwhelmingly brighter than "HS-WEDM".

Tech Upgrades

This is the core of present-day CNC EDM machines. From cutting path drawing to discharge parameters setting at the control, from the execution of the command to the real-time feedback loop, it truly defines the value of a machine.

"MS-WEDM" machines integrate many precision hardware components into its ecosystem while maintaining huge cost-effectiveness advantages over brass wire EDM equipment on the condition that both can meet the same requirements.

Although "HS-WEDM" machines are bridging the technical gap, costs would rise, and their cost-effectiveness edge might be compromised.

Cost-effectiveness

While it is not appropriate to evaluate cost-effectiveness in isolation from machining requirements, consumable costs, failure rate and more, general speaking, "HS-WEDM" is the cheapest, "LS-WEDM" is insanely expensive, while "MS-WEDM" strikes a balance between cost and performance.

Don't get overwhelmed by the content and terminology. The right fit will be the best. Stick with Kingred, and feel free to share your insights.