I 3D printed a 4-axis wire EDM machine that can cut anything conductive

[@lucyhalut4028]

This is amazing! Great work.

[@76Eliam]

In two days I've seen an open-source DIY metal sintering injection molding machine, an open-source DIY high-vacuum furnace, and an open-source DIY 4-axis EDM machine. This is so insane. What a time to be a maker. You're all incredible and heroes for the open-source community.

[@slightwave]

There's no words. Just a standing ovation. Great work and a great project. May the market appreciate your contribution. Unbelievable.

[@doug.ritson]

I do not see myself owning one of these, but will be watching your journey - easy sub to make. When shop/homemade CNC machines were first being introduced on KZbin I predicted we were at the beginning of a new industrial revolution. I believed the CNC would drive a router, and with some modifications a laser. I'll now add and EDM to the list. The incredible power for inventors/makers with these affordable machines tinkering in a garage or basement will really advance society in both good and bad ways. Thank you for sharing. Great little machine.

[@jeremyocassan]

Why are the bad ways? Gun inventors?

[@Denasdc]

Ohhh, you fixed left audio channel only. Thank you!

[@conorstewart2214]

I was wondering if I was going crazy and that I had seen it before or if this was someone stealing someone else’s video, but it makes more sense if he just reuploaded with the audio fixed.

[@MarinusMakesStuff]

Hey awesome, I'm definitely going to buy this. One tip, I think it would be really interesting to make some type of upgrade route where the EDM machine can cut its own replacement parts out of aluminium to make it stiffer. So it would be great if that is kept in mind when designing the 3D printed parts. Beyond that, awesome design! I can see a lot of love went into the design of this machine.

[@markTheWoodlands]

Recursive manufacturing. Beautiful!

[@MarinusMakesStuff]

@@markTheWoodlands Let's go on a recursion excursion safari!

[@fladder1]

Would really love to see the actual work flow from design to cutting. Awesome project, as soon as it comes available in Europe I'll order one.

[@MorlockEngineering]

Okay, I will make a video on this.

[@Jon.S]

I feel that software experience is going to be key, if you can get the user experience as noob friendly and approachable as modern 3D printing there’s a huge market of people who’d love this. If the process to get a part machining is esoteric and relies on the user being a CAM/klipper expert then it’s going to be a tough ask for most hobbyists.

[@WeberMachineWorks]

well said Jon.

[@YourFriendlyHoodVampire]

A slicer is a type of CAM software 😂 And hobbyists absolutely use CAM and CAD. Onshape, for example, takes not even ten minutes to learn.

[@davidbalfour3390]

Looks great. I'd use button head socket caps where possible so all forces are basically compressive. The countersunk can flare and crack plastic if overtightened, button head are more forgiving.

[@Mario_3d]

Brilliant design. I used to operate an industrial wire EDM and plunge EDM so I know what you are talking about. Generally, these are machines that can machine metal to an accuracy of 0.01 or even 0.005mm There is a basic condition - the machine body must be temperature stable. Your idea is great- maybe we won't achieve the accuracy of an industrial machine but yes the accuracy will be higher than for example 3d printing. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Darnetal57]

Seriously, this is the most excited I've been for the past decade. I'm definitely going to follow this and most probably buy one of these kits sometime down the line, so get ready to have them shipped to Europe.

[@playbutton108]

10 years from now we will be making microchips at home. sometimes i think in future people will just make everything by themselves , kids talking about how their os is better , making their own chips. it will be crazy

[@johnfurr8779]

I am a hobbyist machinist and metal worker, I have two lathes, a bridgeport mill and a surface grinder. I've wanted to buy a used wire edm machine but those available are usually ancient and non running and in need of repairs. This make be in my future, depending on the working envelop of the tool

[@ethanmiller5487]

Maybe EDM is rare where you are but in MN, with all the manufacturing, there are tons of them. It's normal for die shop to have 4-5 wires and that many sinkers. Injection mold shops probably have more of both. A lot of shops, like mine, even have EDM drills. I LOVE this project! I will be buying one for my home shop!

[@MorlockEngineering]

>4 machines That is not a lot at all.

[@ethanmiller5487]

@MorlockEngineering That's just one shop. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of mold and die shops in the US. Each has at least that many machines... that's a lot of machies. The bigger universities have machine shops as well and they definitely have wire machines.

[@MorlockEngineering]

That is still only a few ten of thousands machines. There are millions of mills, lathes, and printers.

[@ethanmiller5487]

@MorlockEngineering Did you state that EDM is more rare then those other machines or rare in general?

[@Plorg57064]

I'm with you on this one Ethan, wire EDMs aren't "rare" or "lost" technology. They are simply more niche due to the inherent process limitations. Mills don't care about the conductance of the material and are generally capable of being precise enough for most applications. EDMs also cause a "recast layer" which is essentially a casing of re-solidified metal where it was cut which can affect part geometry and lifespan.

[@michaelmueller9635]

Imagine, you could essentially print a planetary gear box with it. Maybe it wouldn't be efficient and time-consuming, maybe some flaws. But as a demonstration in practice, it would be very impressive.

[@elanjacobs1]

Not with those tolerances. You want to be in the 5-10 micron range, not 50-100.

[@738elijah]

I'm very impressed with this project, both in innovation and straightforward, elegant, engineering.

[@MorlockEngineering]

Thank you!

[@MintMacelodeon]

I'd want a more 2d axis version, designed specifically for sheet metal. From watching this video (no further knowledge) that would be the best use case for this type of machine.

[@MakeKasprzak]

Lovely. I've enjoyed the various clips from 3D printer KZbinrs. This is the sort of thing I would love in my workshop (*cough* garage). Will be continuing to keep an eye out.

[@alexross26]

gods work. you are doing gods work. its like a stopgap until real 3d metal printing gets to the consumer level

[@NigelTolley]

Consumer 3d printing, especially with metal (if it ever even happens) will never be as accurate as these machines can be.

[@alexross26]

@@NigelTolley why. rocket engines and jet turbines are 3d printed, I think those industries require accuracy

[@NigelTolley]

@@alexross26 Rocket engines are printed from massive rolls of welding wire by robot arms and turntables. It's very neat - I've seen it happening - but the accuracy is in the millimetre range. The nozzle is metres across. You couldn't fit the machine in your house, even if you took the furniture out, and the 3 phase requirements are rather high. Oh, and it is £millions too. Jet turbines are done via a rather more accurate process, something like direct laser sintering of metal powder heated to near melting point under an inert gas. The risk of an inert gas killing you and your entire family in your sleep is likely too high for most, as well as, again, the power requirements and the costs that start from £200k. Maybe as low as £60k for the very lowest kit. Having said that, there is a nylon 3d SLS/DLS printer coming out soon, running about £2k, dropping the price from the £16k bottom end of the market currently. Micronics. Look them up!

[@petercallison5765]

@@NigelTolley I went to a conference 30 years ago held by Apple where they explained why computers would never get any faster. Plenty of surprises to come with this technology.

[@Plorg57064]

​@@alexross26the biggest problems are huge issues: grain structure (or lack thereof), and internal stresses. When printed parted are heat treated (for grain bond and stress relief), the parts change drastically. Metal 3d printing, currently, is about as consistent and reliable as casting.

[@futileskills]

Just found your channel and project for the first time. 100% saving up for this. I can already think of a few projects that my makerspace could use this on. Thank you for putting in all this work ❤

[@m4gn3t.0]

I’ve been making EDM since sandstorm… was clearly doing it completely wrong. I am absolutely building one of these thanks you!

[@TheRainHarvester]

Awesome! I created "GatorCAM for cnc" with slow feed speed capabilities to allow for EDM! You may really like it!

[@Brianwiz]

Commenting to boost the trip vid

[@baxrok2.]

Congratulations. I hope you sell a million of these!

[@MorlockEngineering]

I hope so too!

[@diditwork370]

I have a couple thousand hours on professional EDM and this excites me very much. Little tip, even if your hardware is flawless, it's all about the controller and software. My Voron has single micron repeatability but it's useless without correct compensation.

[@MorlockEngineering]

Yes. I agree.

[@briangman3]

I used EDM on Inconel Metal works great, super tuff metal to cut normally

[@M4XD4B0ZZ]

I'll wait for better tolerances. Gratulations gor your achievements so far! Super impressive

[@bacawaka2813]

So cool. I think a sinker version would be cool too.

[@DavidWitkowski]

He's the Josef Prusa of wire EDM - well done

[@guyb7995]

I can cut and make lots of things at home with consumer 3D printers and laser engravers/cutters (Fiber & C02) but metal is not one I can really cut, expect for 0.2mm AL card.... This is an amazing development for home makers, well done!

[@Lolatronn]

With that Fith axis you could in theory cheaply make a lead screw for a 3d print plastic recycling machine if the tolerances are tightened up more. Then all you would need is a grinding machine which all you would need to do is cut out some gears and make a sturdy attachment for them.

[@WeTrudgeOn]

Pure genius. I'm a manual machinist, the only CNC machine I have ever desired is a EDM machine.

[@GiulianoMazzina]

Damn, one video and I subscribed. Thats a record. I want to watch the progress of this device and your new company. Congrats!

[@fabienl4979]

Yes exactly my thought, I even subscribed after a few minutes into the video. Well made video, incredible to have access to desktop wire EDM machine (with a 400$ power stystem). Like he said, when I watched the prices back then for the power supply it was really 2-3K. So I'm looking forward to seeing the next version of this machine with great care.

[@Hukkinen]

Amazing! Saw you guys @CNCKitchen. This as a disruption! Micro-mechanics: gears, watch parts, micro-surgery tool parts, brushless motor stators, gun parts, and injection molds etc. Open source, engineering, and product development at its best! I hope you great times! 😀

[@fabienl4979]

It's not a new type of machine. Watch parts are much more suitable with laser cutting and/or photoetching cutting. The wire has a diameter really not negligeable for micro parts to create. EMD wire machine can achieve incredibly tight tolerences but a micro gear or watch part, laser cutter can do sharp inside/ouside corner with not radius. But I'm totally agreed with you, a desktop affordable wire EDM machine could me incredible, mostly the 400$ power supply. After that it's the precision of the X-Y movement of the machine, rigidity and so on that will dictate it's precision. I'm looking forward to seeing the machine and its price.

[@Hukkinen]

@@fabienl4979 Thanks for the detail. My bad; perhaps only clock parts, then (which actually someone mentioned) ;) Sounds like rigidity is a simple problem. Then again, I have no idea about microscopic tolerances of a dynamic system =)

[@motamp]

Such a clean design! Excited about printing the Betta Wire as soon as the files are available.

[@FruchtcocktailUndCo]

Yes, very good, like a lot. Sadly poor and luckily european, so eagerly standing by and thrilled for the things to come. :D

[@MorlockEngineering]

We will get to you soon.

[@FruchtcocktailUndCo]

@@MorlockEngineering Kisses.

[@josearnaldopinheirodossant7712]

Ohhh, very good, I worked doing mechanical projects and drawings for the first wire edm made in Brazil, it was long time ago, 1980. The electronics was made for a friend, he is electrical engineer, i belive this machine is working 'till now, was usede a Diadur CNC 2 axis only . . .

[@thesuperbassist]

Making an edit, because I don't want to take away any business from this interesting project. I'm rooting for your success.

[@clytle374]

This is awesome. I'll be looking into this and following along. A wire chopper is a very good idea. I watched a guy drop a used wire spool and end up needing is calf muscle put back together.

[@Overunity357]

Hey we have the exact same watch! great nerds think alike. :D looking forward to placing my order. this machine is exactly what I have been dreaming of for years. Thank you for your efforts.

[@amandahugankiss4110]

hell of a power supply there fella. beautiful.

[@--JawZ--]

This work is so amazing, thank you so much for your effort. I can finally have a proper cutting machine in my apartment, without the misses complaining about noise, haha

[@Rick-ck8ei]

You need a way to keep the tank and exposed components clean. The debris from edm usuallly requires a cleaner like lime-a-way so make sure the materials you use can resist acids.

[@bregbarega3717]

I'm superexcited! This opens a whole new renge of possibilities in the home shop!

[@_droid]

I need one of these! I have been thinking about building one for ages. This project may be it. Can't wait!

[@TheNerfherder1000]

This, and the SLS 3d printer thats hitting the consumer market are literally game changing. At home manufacturing is finally becoming a reality.

[@blazehenot2536]

Its going to be wild to see the kind of projects and products that this enables. Your existing non wire EDM machine already opened the door to precision manufactured 2d and stamped parts. adding a whole extra dimension with the capacity for precision rotary manufacturing as well is even more mind blowing! Best of luck in your future endeavors I can hardly wait!!!

[@mattheweasterling7558]

Congrats on developing a game-changing machine! When are you guys looking to expand the team 👀? I’d love to contribute to a technology that will change manufacturing as we know it!

[@samrix5793]

Very interesting, i didn't see the Kickstarter but interested when it comes out. How often does the wire break mid cut and how easy is it to thread, is there a way it can auto thread?

[@goawaybaizuo]

I personally dont have any uses for this, but I'm tempted to get one just to help out. This is amazing

[@eatonasher3398]

This is incredible!! Very well done; I will definitely be buying your next version!!!

[@bobbyshaftoe]

BRILLIANT. Easy, nobrainer subscription. I am looking forward to adding an EDfrigginM to my capabilities!

[@Clark-Mills]

On my infinite bucket-list... but a hat-tip to you for doing a decent job! Thank you.

[@MorlockEngineering]

You are welcome. Thank you for buying me lunch!

[@wzhaicthtaarkyer]

I had no idea wire edm was so rare! Thankfully I work in a shop with 5 of them.

[@plasmashears]

That's what I was thinking too. Not super common, but definitely not what I would consider "rare".

[@Properuppercut]

I worked in a shop with 16 wires for 20 years. Agreed, not super rare in the manufacturing world nowadays.

[@Rcmike1234]

They're not rare 😅

[@spacedonutnfo]

Same

[@cwmd7651]

Yeah these things are not rare, that's complete bs. this is a cool project but I've seen 3 different ones in the last 6 months on facebook marketplace alone in my area, and I'm not even in a super industrial city like chicago

[@thewyliestcoyote]

This is awesome! Have you tried cutting tungsten carbide?

[@georgeblack589]

This is very exciting. The pin usage is fantastic.

[@martindieux]

I have to say that this project is really impressive. I come from a CNC Kitchen video and this catched my eye. Got to do my own research to get here. Let's boost the algorithm. This is real work of art and engineering combined. I work in plastic injection moulding and I have to design the electrodes, many of which are wire edm cut. I would love to buy one, or maybe wait for the industrial scale one. I would also love a video of the 3D assembly. This project has future.

[@MorlockEngineering]

Thank you. What do you mean by industrial?

[@martindieux]

​@@MorlockEngineering I mean no disrespect but, like with 3D printers, it takes a period of time where a product becomes better in the way that it's worth buying for bussinesses. For a guy in his garage, this is epic. But for a small/medium bussiness the risk is too high. They would probably spend more on something that has more experience/background.

[@1drelong]

I keep watching this in an anxious amazement. I've had to have shared this like 20 times.

[@MorlockEngineering]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@LeviathanPits]

Wow! Bringing this tech to the hobbyist is incredible. For small to mid sized workshops, do you think it's possible to scale this up? Here's the dream: being able to cut standard >12mm thick steel sheets at pace with insane tolerances (without having to fork over silly amounts of money for laser cutting equipment), and keep floor space usage minimal.

[@sapiosuicide1552]

My lord this a revolutionary, incredible work

[@MorlockEngineering]

Indeed. This idea has the capacity to change the hardware world.

[@DaveMarket]

I like where this is going,great accomplishment. I need a source for Supertec w-edm parts for a 90’s built unit

[@astebbin]

Awesome. Is it possible to recover electrode material from the water bath?

[@ritnerritner1]

This is amazing, please tell me you are working on larger sizes

[@TheMuffinMan]

I own a desktop CNC and it's a pain in the ass in so many ways that this solves! Including metal particulates flying everywhere, lubrication requirement, and extremely rigid chassis. And you're telling me you can cut tungsten carbide? My desktop CNC can barely cut aluminum 6061. Great work!

[@Sloansteelsigns]

Can't wait for this, I'm ready to build one!

[@nbolt75]

I am currently going into my senior year in a mechanical engineering degree and would love to discuss the possibility of interning. I’ve taken some introductory CAD classes and have used inventor to design parts and to create some simple assemblies. I would love to further my CAD capabilities and to work on such an interesting, innovative project. Loved the video !

[@asidesigner8542]

Thanks for sharing, if you make some videos telling the theory of operation of the power supply i have good expertise to suggest improvements, also I may have some tricks in my hat to lower the PCB BOM cost

[@alphawhiskey3311]

When do you expect the 50 micron machine kit to be avaliable? Looking for 0.001" in accuracy

[@firefighter519]

This is awesome! Looks less difficult to build than the Voron 2.4 r2 I'm currently building.

[@ThePosticeage]

What seems to be a very complicated, expensive, and for-specialist-only technology becomes accessible to ordinary people like me :). Love to have one myself~

[@stefanblandin]

I'm super thrilled about this. However, according to Teaching Tech and others, the big holdup frequently isn't the hardware, it's the software. How do we generate toolpaths and so on that work on this?

[@MorlockEngineering]

We have our own 4-axis CAM suite written in C & Vue.

[@stefanblandin]

@@MorlockEngineering is that going to come with the tool or is it for internal use only?

[@runningwitsciss0rs]

Stunning! Been subscribed for a while and the progress is substantial. Keep up the good work!

[@rrrrrr9308]

RackRobotics, whe're you? Please, come to life!

[@lokiwartooth1138]

This is gonna change the 3d2a space forever

[@PhoKingLitMedia]

This is awsome, ive looked many times for a mini EDM for my hobby shop. When will it be ready for purchase and how would I go about ordering one? Is there anyway to place a pre order to ensure I can get when as soon as they are released? What the limitations are as far as material thickness and material type such as hardened tool steel, Can you use the wire as an edge finder to locate your part, or find the center of a hole before you start cutting? Great Job!

[@ced3098]

Nice project , just take in consideration water shall be pure and filtering is a crucial parameter on wire EDM , aluminium is easy to cut but worth to filtering

[@MorlockEngineering]

We generally run 10 micron filters on our 100 PSI flushing pump.

[@familyaustin6126]

@@MorlockEngineering does the Kit Include the pump?

[@YourFriendlyHoodVampire]

I wish I found this video five months ago

[@bradlesc1000]

This is actually crazy. Awesome.

[@Jandodev]

So hyped for this can I still use my powercore v1?

[@charliexwallace]

exciting, always wanted to try one out, so looking forward to getting one. great video too.

[@rtrottier14]

love the idea and functionality. However, I buy tools to make small batch parts. I am more than a hobbiest, but less than a full blown protoype shop. I would be very interested in a fully built "kit" such as common P printers. Or better yet, a fully assembled version, like you get in the Bantam CNC machines. Either way, thanks for making this leap, and I will keep an eye out for future projects and advancements of your.

[@mechadense]

Really cool power supply and machine 👍I especially like that it can cut diagonally too. What about water filtration and cycling?❓Is it just open flow from the tap to the drain?❓Or cycling without filtration? Also:❓Can the waste spool be used one or a few more times? Or is it pretty much done in the first pass?

[@MorlockEngineering]

I like using a 10 micron filter after the flushing pump to recycle the water. We are going to leave the flushing and filtration as a self-source system. Different users will want different pumps and filters depending on their application.

[@spusuf]

Re-upload? Also why no shipping to Australia for PSU?

[@MorlockEngineering]

We will be working with distributors soon for non-US sales. I re-uploaded the video to fix the audio.

[@P.R.Shriram]

It would reverse the polarity.. being down under

[@TrentSheather]

Australian electrical safety rules, in particular earthing requirements, are quite strict. Any device that is mains powered has to comply with a heap of rules otherwise the importer can face jail time.

[@lililililililili8667]

If this becomes widespread as 3d printers it's really going to shake things up. Imagine the printer manufacturers start to get in on this.

[@TheZombieSaints]

Brilliant work! Just amazing! 👏👏👏

[@AlexJoneses]

you need to make a ballscrew and actual linear rod version of this

[@BrentLeVasseur]

This is brilliant! Is the power core sold separately from the EDM Machine or does it come with it?

[@InfiniteNesLives]

I’ve already got a powercore. Haven’t gotten around to installing in on my old Prusa. Interested in buying the kit without the powercore whenever you’re able to make that an option. Might consider self sourcing the kit parts otherwise, but that’s probably more hassle than it’s worth..

[@kayboku7281]

What is this Voodoo magic? I have just purchased my very own workshop and planning the machinery right now! THis is definatley going to become part of the landscape!

[@Necrodoxious]

Any concerns with patents? Incredible work, cannot wait to see this evolve.

[@Notathing556]

Will it be able to have a tool swap head to use a brass rod to boar a hole to start a wire cut inside a shape?

[@marcusrauch4223]

why not pre drill one?

[@Notathing556]

@marcusrauch4223 In very hard materials, it could be much easier and more precise to use a rod to create a small hole for the wire. Also, with that alternative attachment, you could produce some other geometry not possible with strictly wire edm.

[@MorlockEngineering]

Yes. That is a future possibility. We have done it before.

[@BradKwfc]

Ohhh this is so cool. I would definitely buy one!

[@kimyasolhjo1763]

can't wait to order powercore v2

[@nickmagerl]

Beautiful work! I'm impressed!

[@notfst]

Woah, you're in colorado springs? You guys open for tours or anything? I'd love to come check this out in person!

[@MorlockEngineering]

Stop by anytime! We love visitors.

[@ixflqr]

Don’t forget other diy solutions like baxEDM!

[@jonahlowe7649]

Do you have any plans for a ram EDM mod or stand alone machine? I'm very glad to see this process being brought to the hobbiest level

[@MorlockEngineering]

Perhaps in the future. You could buy a Powercore and 3D print a dedicated machine if you wanted.

[@jonahlowe7649]

@@MorlockEngineering I think I might I've been wondering about 3d printing the electodes out of either brass PLA or conductive PLA mixed with brass powder

[@ВладиславЗолотарев-б4с]

Hello friend, please share the data for self-assembly of the same machine, you are a great fellow, the machine turned out just super.

[@captainclay8938]

This is Stanley Meyer level knowledge

[@StephenGrinyer]

Great work. I intend to buy this. How long does the dielectric fluid last before it needs replacing? I ask because I have previous experience with industrial wire EDM machines and we had filtration and dielectric polymer infusion to maintain the fluid. Great work, thank you for making this possible for hobbyists 👍🏻 Plus: how much filament is required for the printed parts?