Wire EDM rewards careful preparation. Good cuts and trouble-free machines start with a few minutes of pre-start checks. This is the full 14-point checklist.
1. Environment and fluid.
- Housekeeping: clear chips and debris from the table and work area; keep the machine and its surroundings tidy.
- Fluid level: confirm the dielectric fluid is sufficient and top up if low.
- Wire allowance: for unattended or finish machining, confirm enough wire remains and replace it if short — always change it before tall workpieces.
- Scrap wire bin: empty it when more than half full.
- Pressure: confirm filter inlet pressure and compressed air supply are normal.
2. Conductivity and wire feed system.
6. Polar cables: check for dirt, looseness or cracking; confirm no interference when moving the worktable.
7. Conductive block: check wear; rotate to a fresh position when worn and clean it when dirty.
8. Guide wheels: confirm smooth rotation and steady wire travel; check and adjust if there is run-out.
9. Verticality: check the electrode wire and straighten it before cutting.
10. Guides: check the lower guide device for looseness and the upper guide for smooth opening and closing.
3. Nozzles and electrical. 11. Nozzle: check for damage or blockage; the lower nozzle should sit 0.05–0.1mm below the table surface. 12. Switches: confirm all relevant switches and buttons respond correctly.
- Machine run: confirm normal machine operation.
- Report anomalies: stop and report any abnormal condition; never start work with a known fault.
4. Suggested order. Run the items in sequence — environment and fluid, then conductivity and wire feed, then nozzles and electrical — in just a few minutes. Making this a daily habit sharply reduces mid-cut failures and scrap.
In short: the 14-point check is a safety lock for wire EDM. Fluid, wire, conductive block, verticality and nozzle are the high-frequency items; the habit alone keeps quality stable.
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