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Wire EDM recast removal (M-4 tool steel)

We use glass bead blasting to clean and remove Wire EDM recast layer from dies. The dies are made from tool steel (CPM-M4). We hold close tolerances. (±.0002) Problem- We have a customer who wants us to stop glass bead blasting the dies we make for them. Does anyone know of a cost-efficient way of removing Wire EDM recast layer from M-4 tool steel? We need an in-house solution that we can control ourselves.

Thanks,

Glenn Carpenter
- CLAYTON, Michigan, USA
2003

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About the most popular mechanical alternative to abrasive blasting is the use of mass finishing systems. I am not exactly sure about your tolerance, but it will be a function of the machine system, time, and the abrasive. Meaning, I'm not sure how much material has to removed and/or the condition of the surface profile you are starting with; however, if you are talking about precision parts, you must have a surface finish of at least 35 RMS or finer in which case this is a good replacement procedure. Anything outside those parameters may require other methods.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2003

If you are blasting them it means that they can be opened (not like the slotted design used for plastic extrusion). So you can have them ultrasonically polished by a professional mold polisher. G. Marrufo-Mexico

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2003