Primary process: Sinker EDM. The full route, materials, tolerances and design tips for a die cavity, with an indicative cost.
Sinker EDMPrimary process
Non-traditionalFamily
5Route steps
+/-0.01mmTypical tol.
A die cavity is primarily made by Sinker EDM. Sinker EDM erodes conductive metal with electrical sparks between a shaped electrode and the part in a dielectric fluid, with no cutting force. Below is the full route to make a die cavity, the materials it suits, the tolerances to expect and the main design points. The route is free, from the finder.
Step by step
How a die cavity is made
The usual route, raw material to finished part. The amber step is where the die cavity gets its basic shape.
Stock
Prepare the conductive or sheet stock for the die cavity.
Heat treatment first
Harden the material before cutting: EDM cuts hardened metal with no distortion.
Tooling n/a Tolerance can distort Lead days
Sinker EDM
Cut the die cavity to its precise profile with no mechanical force.
Tooling Medium (electrode) Tolerance ±0.005 to 0.05mm Lead 1 to 3 weeks
Deburr and finish
Remove the recast layer or edge burr and finish as needed.
Inspection
Check the profile and surface against the drawing.
Need the real cost for a die cavity? The free route above is yours. Unlock the full dossier to quote and source it.
Where this process typically lands. Tighter is possible with extra operations like grinding, at higher cost.
Materials
Materials for a die cavity
Grade
Why it suits this
Tool steels (hardened)
EDM after hardening
Carbide
Very hard
Design
Design tips
General pointers. The full design-for-manufacturing list for a die cavity is in the dossier.
EDM for features millable normally.Mill where possible.
Zero-radius internal corners.Allow a small radius.
Cost
What a die cavity should cost
Sinker EDM for sharp internal corners, deep cavities, hardened material; slow, so priced by burn hours.
PER-PART COST vs VOLUME
Per-part cost drops as volume spreads tooling and setup over more parts. The exact figures for a die cavity at your volume, in your currency, are in the dossier.
MODEL EST.
$93 to 260per part at 1 off
A rough ballpark only. The dossier gives should-cost at your exact volume and currency, with the full breakdown.
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Everything you need to quote and source it
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Should-cost at your exact volume in 12 currencies, with the material, processing, tooling and overhead breakdown
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A die cavity is primarily made by sinker edm. The route is: Stock; Heat treatment first; Sinker EDM; Deburr and finish; Inspection.
What does a die cavity cost?
It depends on size, tolerance and volume. As a rough ballpark it starts around $93 to 260 per part at 1 off and falls with quantity. The dossier gives should-cost at your exact volume and currency. A model estimate, not a quote.
What material is a die cavity made from?
Common choices are Tool steels (hardened); Carbide.
What is the main process for a die cavity?
Sinker EDM. Hardened steel, fine detail, sharp internal corners and deep cavities, as in moulds and dies.
See the exact route and should-cost for your part
The free finder maps your part to its process and full route. Pro adds should-cost at your volume, sourcing and an RFQ draft.
