Electrical discharge machining
Wire EDM and micro EDM machining
At STEEC we have developed and integrated several activities since the creation of the structure. However, it should be noted that this adventure began and saw the light of day thanks to electroerosion machining and micro-machining.
As its name suggests, the electrical discharge machining (EDM) technology consists of eroding material, which must be conductive, using electrical discharges.
In the context of wire EDM, we use a wire, mainly a brass wire, which we will put under tension. It is passed either into the part or block to be machined or next to it to attack the cut from the outside. This entire assembly is immersed in an insulating dielectric liquid. When the wire, which is charged, almost comes into contact with the material, an electric arc will be created and thus erode the material according to the programmed paths. The residue created by the erosion of the part is evacuated by water or dielectric liquid.
We produce machining by electrical discharge machining wire from Ø0.15 to Ø0.25mm but also micro-electro-erosion with "fine" wire from Ø0.05 to Ø0.10mm.
Cutting and machining by wire EDM in the Rhône (69)
We perform high-precision cutting with standard-sized wires, ranging in diameter from 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm, on all types of mechanical parts. All conductive ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be cut using this technology. We use brass wire, but for some of your projects, we can also cut with copper, molybdenum, or tungsten wire.
This wire electroerosion machining and cutting technology allows, depending on your needs, to achieve precisions of the order of ±2µm and an Ra which can go down to 0.2
Cutting and machining by wire micro-electroerosion
In addition to standard wire cutting, we pride ourselves on our ability to perform micro-cutting and micro-machining using fine wire electrical discharge machining (EDM). By using wires as small as 0.10 mm, 0.07 mm, or even 0.05 mm in diameter, we can meet your most specific requirements.
A recent machine park for your projects
To meet your expectations in terms of precision, deadlines, service and to respond to our desire to support you, we continually invest in our machine fleet.
Electroerosion can find applications in all sectors of industry and can be used in fields as specialized and varied as space, aeronautics, watchmaking, medical, nuclear and even automotive.
However, some of your projects are not compatible with this technology but don't worry, we will surely be able to respond to them in milling, drilling, flat laser cutting Or on tubes or even in sinking!
45 years of experience in electrical discharge machining
STEEC was founded in 1979, and wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) is at the heart of its historical activity. This expertise, accumulated over more than four decades, translates into a level of technical mastery that few subcontractors in France can claim. Our operators understand material behavior, machine limitations, and the critical parameters that make all the difference.
Certified ISO 9001 and ISO 13485
STEEC is ISO 9001:2015 certified for all its production processes. We are also ISO 13485:2016 certified, a standard specific to medical devices. Both certifications are issued and audited by Bureau Veritas. They guarantee complete traceability of each machined part, the rigor of our quality controls, and the reliability of our delivery times.
A modern fleet of machines, continuously being invested in
Our wire EDM machines are regularly updated to maintain the level of precision and reliability our customers expect. We work with wires from 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm in diameter for standard EDM, and from 0.05 mm to 0.10 mm in diameter for micro EDM. This dedicated machine park allows us to achieve accuracies of ±2 µm and surface roughness (Ra) down to 0.2. Investing in our machines means investing in the quality of your parts.
Supplier to major industrial clients
Airbus, Thales, Valeo, the CEA, the CNRS, B. Braun, MT Aerospace, Senior Aerospace Ermeto: these are the names in our active client portfolio. Being a leading supplier to groups like Airbus Defence and Space or Thales Alenia Space means meeting extremely stringent specifications. These references are not obtained by chance. They validate our technical expertise, our reliability, and our ability to produce complex parts in series with complete reproducibility.
100% made in France, certified French Fab
All our parts are machined in our workshop in Brindas, Rhône (69). No offshore subcontracting, no opaque intermediaries: you know exactly where and how your parts are manufactured. STEEC holds the French Fab label, which recognizes French industrial companies committed to competitiveness and innovation.
Frequently asked questions about machining
How does wire electrical discharge machining work?
Wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) uses a live wire to erode material through electrical discharges. The wire, usually made of brass, is guided along a path programmed by a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system. The entire assembly is immersed in a dielectric fluid that removes the erosion residue. There is no mechanical contact between the tool and the workpiece. This makes the process unique for complex and delicate parts.
What materials can be machined by electro-erosion?
All conductive materials can be machined by electrical discharge machining (EDM). This includes steels, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, molybdenum, nickel alloys, copper, and brass. EDM excels where conventional machine tools reach their limits: hard, hardened, brittle, or impossible-to-fix materials for grinding. The hardness of the material has no impact on the quality of the cut.
What level of precision can wire electrical discharge machining achieve?
At STEEC, standard wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) achieves accuracies on the order of ±2 µm. Surface roughness can be as low as Ra 0.2. These performance levels enable the production of tight-tolerance metal parts for precision mechanics. It is the benchmark process for complex parts that turning and milling or grinding cannot produce with this level of accuracy.
What is the difference between wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) and micro wire EDM?
Standard wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) uses wires from 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm in diameter. Fine wire EDM goes down to 0.10 mm, 0.07 mm, or even 0.05 mm in diameter. This reduced diameter allows for the production of parts with extremely fine geometries, notches of a few hundredths of a millimeter, or internal radii impossible to produce otherwise.
STEEC is one of the few companies in France to master both levels on a dedicated fleet of machines.
Is electrical discharge machining (EDM) suitable for prototypes and small production runs?
Yes, that's one of its strengths. CNC programming allows you to move from a prototype to small, medium, or large production runs without changing tooling. The absence of tool wear guarantees perfect reproducibility between the first and last machined part. Manufacturing parts in a single batch or in several staggered deliveries is possible, depending on your subcontracting needs.
Does electrical discharge machining (EDM) replace conventional grinding or CNC machining?
It's not a replacement but a complement. Grinding handles large, flat surfaces at high speeds. CNC machining centers are better suited to three-dimensional parts with multiple axes of movement. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is used where the geometry is too complex, the material too hard, or the tolerances too tight for these processes. For machining parts with closed internal shapes, sharp angles, or very fine grooves, it is often essential.
In which industrial sectors is wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) used?
Wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) is used in demanding sectors where precision is non-negotiable.
STEEC supplies machined parts for the aerospace (Airbus, MT Aerospace), medical (implants, stents, B. Braun), nuclear (CEA, Mirion Technologies), automotive (Valeo) and research (CNRS) industries. Manufacturing parts for watchmaking, space, and precision tooling is also part of our regular work.
How does subcontracting in electrical discharge machining (EDM) work at STEEC?
You send us your plan or specifications, we study the feasibility and submit a quote to you.
Machining of parts is carried out in France, in our workshop in Brindas (Rhône 69), using modern and certified machinery. STEEC is ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified for metal parts intended for the medical sector.
Each batch of machined parts goes through our quality control before delivery, prototypes as well as large series.
Need electrical discharge machining (EDM)? Contact us
For more information regarding this technology or to discuss your project, do not hesitate to contact us.