Welcome to OpenEDM -- an open-source desktop EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) project built by makers, for makers. If you've ever wanted to build your own precision metalworking machine suitable for home use or just explore the world of EDM, you're in the right place.

OpenEDM is all about creating a compact, affordable EDM machines that anyone can build, modify, and use -- whether you're a hobbyist, engineer, student, or just curious.

We're aiming for a design that’s:

• Easy(ish) to build at home.
• Modular and hackable.
• Great for learning, experimenting, and real work.

EDM offers some clear advantages over traditional metalworking methods like CNC milling, especially if you're working in places that aren’t exactly machine-shop friendly -- like your apartment:

• Whisper-quiet -- No loud spindles or cutting noise. EDM runs almost silently.
• No flying chips -- Instead of cutting, EDM erodes material using electric sparks, so you don’t get metal shavings everywhere. Just metal particles in the water.
• Home-friendly -- Because it's quiet and clean, EDM is much more suitable for indoor use than traditional machining.

There are other advantages as well:

• Very precise -- EDM handles fine details and sharp internal corners.
• No mechanical forces -- Slow, contactless cutting means the machine doesn’t need a very rigid frame, making it simpler and cheaper to build.
• Works on any conductive material -- Hardened tool steel, titanium, tungsten carbide -- EDM cuts them all.

Sure, EDM is slower than milling or turning. But in return, you get clean results, minimal noise, and a workspace that doesn’t look like a metal storm just passed through.

This GitHub organization includes:

• OpenEDM-wire-machine -- Wire EDM machine (mechanical design).
• OpenEDM-arc-generator-- Arc generator (hardware design and firmware).
• OpenEDM-wire-tensioner -- Wire tensioning mechanism (hardware design and firmware).

We’d love your help! Whether you’re into mechanical/hardware design, coding, testing, documenting, or just cheering from the sidelines -- everyone’s welcome.

Here’s where you can ask questions, share your ideas, contribute, or connect with the community:

• Join the OpenEDM Discord server.
• Start a discussion directly on GitHub.
• Open an issue in any OpenEDM's repository or send a PR.

• Now:
  1. Preparing to test the arc generator V2.
  2. Working on the overall system architecture. The current idea is to divide the system into modules that communicate with each other via CAN bus and CANopen.
  3. Working on a dedicated stepper-motor-based servo design, controlled via CAN bus and CANopen.
• March 2025:
  1. First successful wire cut (wire EDM).
  2. Arc generator design V2.0 completed.
• February 2025:
  1. Wire tensioning mechanism design completed.
• April 2024:
  1. First successful cut using a plate-shaped electrode (sinking EDM).
• April 2023:
  1. Project started.

THIS PROJECT INVOLVES LETHAL VOLTAGES AND OTHER SERIOUS HAZARDS THAT CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. YOU MUST READ THE FULL SAFETY WARNING AND DISCLAIMER DOCUMENT BEFORE USING ANY PROJECT FILES. BY PROCEEDING, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT ALL RISKS AND AGREE TO USE THIS PROJECT ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY.