11 Wire Electrode Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for wire electrodes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 11 wire electrode manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked wire electrode companies as of April, 2024: 1.THERMOCOMPACT, 2.Electrodes, Inc., 3.EDM SUPERSTORE.
Table of Contents
What Is a Wire Electrode?
A wire electrode is a tool used in wire Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) machines.
During EDM, a voltage is applied between the workpiece and the tool electrode, resulting in an electrical discharge phenomenon. The high heat generated during this process (approximately 7,000°C) gradually heats and melts the workpiece.
The tool used in this process is a wire electrode, typically with a diameter ranging from approximately 0.05 to 0.3 mm, making it an extremely thin metal wire. The primary material used for electrode wires is usually brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc.
Uses of Wire Electrodes
Wire electrodes are employed for cutting various hard metal parts. EDM can be performed on any hard workpiece that can conduct electricity.
- Special rings processing: Achieving high-precision cuts in special rings using wire electrodes.
- Plate springs: Cutting plate springs in layers using wire electrodes.
- Metal masks: Easily processing metal masks.
- Home appliances and more: Utilized for precision machining of metal components used in home appliances and smartphones. Also, applied for precision parts processing in the aerospace industry.
Features of Wire Electrodes
Wire electrodes employed in wire EDM machines cut the workpiece metal similar to a "hacksaw" through heat generated by electric discharge while continuously feeding the wire as an electrode. The choice of wire diameter depends on the shape and thickness of the metal to be cut or shaped, with wire diameters of 0.1 to 0.3 mm being commonly selected.
The wire diameter must match the die's diameter used in the electrical discharge machine. If the wire is too thick, it will not pass through the die, and if it is too thin, the electrode wire will sway. Common wire diameters (in mm) include 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30.
The main material for wire electrodes is brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc, typically with a zinc composition of 35-40%. Brass exhibits good discharge characteristics and is widely used as a general-purpose electrode wire.
Another type of wire electrode is known as "coating wire," where the surface layer of brass is electroplated with high-purity zinc. The high-purity zinc layer ensures a uniform and smooth finish on the workpiece surface, allowing for high-speed processing.
List of 11 Wire Electrode Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- France
- Japan
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Alternative Machine Tool
BRASS WIRE
Distributor Overview
Alternative Machine Tool, founded in the United States, is a distributor of wire EDM, Sinker (ram-type) EDM, Small hole (fast hole), EDM drills, and all types of tool room machinery. The company's product portfolio includes a comprehensive selection of Wire EDM machines, EDM machines used for manufacturing molds, dies, and other precision components, and a wide variety of tool room machinery, including milling machines, lathes, grinders, and more. It also provides shipping services, live support, and warehousing services.
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SUN-YELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
Electrode wire
Manufacturer Overview
Sun-Yell International Corporation, established in 1934 with headquarters in Okayama City, Japan, is a manufacturer of SUNROX-EDM electric discharge machine consumables, replacement parts, and accessories. The company's product line includes laser welding machines, EDM anti-rust systems, EDM ion exchange resin regeneration and recycling systems, EDM filter elements, and EDM wire. It also offers various EDM consumables for EDMs made by original equipment manufacturers and brands, including Seibu, Fanuc, Sodick, Mitsubishi, and Brother.
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Oki Electric Cable Co.,Ltd.
EDM Wire
Manufacturer Overview
Oki Electric Cable Co.,Ltd. was established in 1936 and is a manufacturer of telecommunications instrument based in Isesaki, Gunma, Japan. The company produces various communications devices such as high speed interface cables, wire harnesses, EDM wire, optical cables, and OKI cables. The products have been applied in various industries such as robotic, automobile, semiconductor manufacture, medical, and financial sectors. The company also involved in real estate business as one of the four major business operations.
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Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd
EDM Wire
Company Overview
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. is an ISO 45001-certified manufacturer of optical fiber and electrical wire cables that was established in Osaka, Japan, in 1897. The company produces optical fiber products for data communication or telecom applications, wire cable products for power transmission and automotive electronics, and flexible printed circuits for electronic device assembly. It also offers compound semiconductors for use in optical and wireless communication. The company’s products are commonly used by clients in the aerospace, telecommunications, and consumer electronics industries.
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McWilliams Sales & Service, Inc.
EDM WIRE
Company Overview
McWilliams Sales & Service, Inc., established in 1990 and headquartered in Brighton, Michigan, USA, is a manufacturer of electrical discharge machines (EDM). The company offers a comprehensive range of EDM products, components, and consumables, such as wire EDMs, sinker EDMs, EDM drills, and various EDM consumables such as electrodes and filters. These solutions are utilized for precision, efficiency, and stability, providing manufacturers with the tools needed to achieve optimal-quality results in industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical device manufacturing.
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EDM Performance Accessories, Inc.
EDM WIRE
Distributor Overview
EDM Performance Accessories, Inc. is a supplier of EDM consumables and replacement files that is headquartered in Brea, California and was established in 1989. The company offers EDM wire, parts, and tools such as diamond guides, power feed contacts, rust inhibitors, electrode guides, and ceramic plates. The company also caters replacement parts, machine tools, waterjet consumables, and accessories. Hence, the company mainly serves companies with EDM needs and waterjet brands. Furthermore, the company also provides filters, graphite, DI resin, dielectric oils, and metallics.
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Wire Electrode Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | THERMOCOMPACT |
24.2%
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| 2 | Electrodes, Inc. |
21.2%
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| 3 | EDM SUPERSTORE |
9.1%
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| 4 | McWilliams Sales & Service, Inc. |
9.1%
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| 5 | SUN-YELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION |
9.1%
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| 6 | Hitachi Metals, Ltd. |
9.1%
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| 7 | EDM Performance Accessories, Inc. |
6.1%
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| 8 | ASKA CORPORATION |
3.0%
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| 9 | Alternative Machine Tool |
3.0%
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| 10 | Oki Electric Cable Co.,Ltd. |
3.0%
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Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the wire electrode page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Hitachi Metals, Ltd.: 27,771
Newly Established Company
- Alternative Machine Tool: 2001 (23 years ago)
- ASKA CORPORATION: 1984 (40 years ago)
- Hitachi Metals, Ltd.: 1956 (68 years ago)
Company with a History
- THERMOCOMPACT: 1913 (111 years ago)
- Hitachi Metals, Ltd.: 1956 (68 years ago)
- ASKA CORPORATION: 1984 (40 years ago)
Wire Electrode Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Wire Electrode Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
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3 | 50.0% |
Japan
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2 | 33.3% |
France
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1 | 16.7% |
