How is wire-cut EDM job work charged?

Usually per square inch of cut area (cut length × part thickness), with extra for finishing passes, taper cuts and start holes. Some shops charge per hour.

Can wire cut be done after hardening?

Yes, and it usually is: hardening first and then wire cutting keeps the final size accurate.

What is the minimum inside radius in wire cut?

It is set by the wire and spark gap: roughly half the wire diameter plus the gap, about 0.15 mm with a 0.25 mm wire. Thinner wire gives smaller radii.

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Wire-cut EDM

Also called: wire cut job work, WEDM job work, wire EDM services, wire erosion, wire cutting

Wire-cut EDM job work cuts precise profiles in any conductive metal, including fully hardened tool steel, using an electrically charged wire. It is the standard way to make punches, dies and precise slots and shapes, to about ±0.005–0.01 mm.

Quick facts

Machine: Wire-cut EDM
Typical accuracy: About ±0.005–0.01 mm
Surface finish: About Ra 0.4–1.6 µm with finishing passes
Materials: Any conductive metal: tool steel, carbide, stainless, copper, aluminium
Usually priced: Per square inch of cut area (cut length × thickness), or per hour
Input: DXF profile and thickness

How it is priced

Most workshops in India price wire cut by the area cut: the length of the cut multiplied by the thickness of the part, in square inches (or square millimetres). Finishing passes for better accuracy and finish, taper cutting and very thick parts cost more. Start holes for closed shapes may be charged separately.

Typical work

Punches, dies and stripper plates
Die inserts after hardening
Precise slots, keyways and profiles
Small gears and splines
Extrusion die openings and gauges

Tips for good results

Harden first, then wire cut, so heat-treatment distortion does not spoil the size
Stress relieve hardened blocks before cutting to reduce cracking
Leave enough material around the cut so the part does not move as it is released
Mark which side of the line is the finished part (punch or die)
Specify the finish only where needed: extra passes add time

What to send

DXF of the profile at full scale
Material, hardness and thickness
Accuracy and finish required
Quantity, and whether you supply the blank

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Related job work

Machines

Wire-cut EDM machine

Materials

Questions

How is wire-cut EDM job work charged?: Usually per square inch of cut area (cut length × part thickness), with extra for finishing passes, taper cuts and start holes. Some shops charge per hour.
Can wire cut be done after hardening?: Yes, and it usually is: hardening first and then wire cutting keeps the final size accurate.
What is the minimum inside radius in wire cut?: It is set by the wire and spark gap: roughly half the wire diameter plus the gap, about 0.15 mm with a 0.25 mm wire. Thinner wire gives smaller radii.

The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 8 October 2026.