Recent Patents on Micro-EDM Milling

Background: Micro-Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) milling is widely used in the processing of complex cavities and micro-three-dimensional structures, which is a more effective processing method for micro-precision parts. Thus, more attention has been paid on the micro-EDM milling. Objective: To meet the increasing requirement of machining quality and machining efficiency of micro- EDM milling, the processing devices and processing methods of micro-EDM milling are being improved continuously. Methods: This paper reviews various current representative patents related to the processing devices and processing methods of micro-EDM milling. Results: Through summarizing a large number of patents about processing devices and processing methods of micro-EDM milling, the main problems of current development, such as the strategy of electrode wear compensation and the development trends of processing devices and processing methods of micro-EDM milling are discussed. Conclusion: The optimization of processing devices and processing methods of micro-EDM milling are conducive to solving the problems of processing efficiency and quality. More relevant patents will be invented in the future.