Software
Feeling the spark and transforming it into motion
The software specifically developed for sinker and wire erosion processes manages the process control, aiming to make the world of spark erosion accessible even to beginners.
This software takes on the main part of the control. Starting a sinker job, for example, requires no GCode, and the usual homing procedure is omitted. All axes of the machine are set to the midpoint of the available travel range after startup, making it ready for immediate use. Homing switches are optional here. For setting the zero point, various probing routines are available, which can also be optional. If no probing is needed, the machine in wire mode sets the zero point to its current position. If the wire breaks, the process can be stopped, the machine moved, and after correcting the broken wire, the process can be simply restarted, with the machine moving towards the previously set zero point and restarting the cut from the correct starting position.
When creating GCode for wire operation, the software alleviates some hurdles for the user. For example, it eliminates the need for feed rate commands, as the software defines the feed rate itself. Both feed rate and Z GCodes can be included in the GCode for Wire EDM, but the software will simply ignore them. Standard grbl GCode generated with FreeCAD typically includes Z and F GCodes. These do not need to be removed, simplifying usage.
Before starting the process, the software automatically switches on the DPH8909 (or DPM8605) and switches it off after the process. Additionally, the firmware offers negative feed, allowing correction movements to be stored backwards in the movement history.
Integrated Oscilloscope
A special highlight of the firmware is the integrated oscilloscope, whose visual feedback significantly simplifies tuning of the process parameters. It offers a high-resolution mode and an averaging mode.
Flexible Axis Configuration
The standard configuration of the software is created for XY or XYZ machines. Other machine types are supported as well. Operation of XYUV machines or single axis machines is also possible.
True EDM Logic:
The G-EDM firmware is specifically designed to handle the unique physics of EDM processes. The material is not simply "burned away" blindly. Instead, intelligent decisions—supported by heuristic fault diagnostics to detect short circuits before they occur—control the machine's movement decisions. This eliminates the need for in-depth GCode knowledge. The firmware accepts basic GCode generated by common GCode software and ignores prohibited commands
In 2D wire mode, for example, moving the Z-axis during cutting is prohibited. However, GCode generators often include Z-axis movements for initial rapid positioning to zero, which are ignored by the firmware if present. Similarly, feedrate commands are disregarded, as the firmware autonomously controls feed, hold, and retract actions to ensure optimal operation.