U.S. and Japanese mold makers adopt automated EDM

With the advent of highly accurate, repeatable set-up, EDM automation is an attractive option for moldmakers looking for shorter lead times or higher quality products at lower prices. In the Japanese and European markets, EDM automation has been accepted. This is largely due to the increase in the price of some labor costs and the insufficient supply of skilled labor. In Europe and the United States, a legally authorized working week is only 36 hours. The U.S. economy is developing rapidly, mold processing is in a period of high demand, and the unemployment rate continues to decline, currently at 4.5%, and the unemployment rate in the technical field is even lower. Therefore, mold manufacturers are facing a situation where the skilled workforce is getting smaller and smaller. The use of automation in EDM will give experienced mold manufacturers the possibility to efficiently manage more machines.