The Blind Hole Dilemma

Tungsten carbide’s unparalleled strength and precision in electrical discharge machining (EDM) applications make it an ideal choice for drilling through the hardest materials. However, it faces a significant challenge: the complexity of its manufacturing process generally prohibits the creation of multi-channel electrodes. This limitation becomes particularly evident when drilling blind holes, as using single hole electrodes often results in a residue of unburned material at the bottom of the hole, commonly referred to as a “nipple” or “slug.” This scenario leaves machinists in a bind, searching for effective methods to drill blind holes in hard materials without the advantage of multi-channel tungsten carbide electrodes.

The Solution

Addressing this issue, a creative and effective solution has been developed: tungsten carbide electrodes with an offset inner channel. This innovative design mimics the functionality of multi-channel electrodes by ensuring even material removal from the center as the electrode rotates, thus facilitating the drilling of perfect blind holes. The offset inner-channel configuration cleverly circumvents the manufacturing limitations of tungsten carbide, offering a practical solution to what was once a significant obstacle.

Customization remains a key feature of our electrode offerings, with offset inner-channel tungsten carbide tubes available in various lengths and adjustable distances for the inner channel from the center of the electrode. This breakthrough in electrode design effectively closes the gap in tungsten carbide’s application, establishing it as the go-to material for drilling operations, regardless of whether the task involves through or blind holes. This advancement ensures that tungsten carbide retains its position as the material of choice for tackling the most challenging drilling tasks in the toughest materials.