Jacek from our laboratory has just published the results of his research on nanocrystalline copper electrodes designed for electrical discharge machining (EDM) applications. The work has already gained significant recognition — in 2025 it received awards in two prestigious industrial research competitions: Technical Achievement of the Year (SIMP) and Polish Product of the Future (PARP).
The study focused on improving the properties of high-purity copper (M1E) using a non-conventional hydrostatic extrusion (HE) process. Optimization of the process (total strain ε = 2.51) led to the formation of an ultra-fine-grained structure with an average grain size of about 370 nm, resulting in high mechanical strength (UTS ≈ 400 MPa) while maintaining excellent electrical conductivity (~99% IACS).
Importantly, the developed material was tested under industrial EDM conditions. The results were impressive — HE-processed electrodes showed 30–90% lower wear compared to undeformed copper, along with about a 25% improvement in surface quality.
You can find the full results in the publication: Skiba, J. et al. Industrial-Scale Copper Wear Reduction in the Electrical Discharge Machining Through Hydrostatic Extrusion, Materials 2026, 19, 1314.
Recent Comments