Can complex shapes be cut?
Yes, within some reasonable limits. Most modern wire edm machines can cut up to 30 taper (or more precisely; the wire can be inclined up to 30). Note that since the upper axis on a wire edm machine is typically a “differential” axis (it translates relative to X/Y), a 30 angle is possible up to a certain part thickness, and after that the available angle reduces relative to the height of the part. Obviously if the part itself can be tipped or rotated, any angle is then possible. Additionally, the angle of the wire can be continuously changed while cutting, which allows the cutting of complex surfaces. Essentially; if a straight line can be passed along a contour, it can probably be cut by wire edm. To see a simple yet illustrative example, take a look at the twisted cube. Note that there are surfaces that would “appear” impossible to cut with a straight wire, yet this was easily done. As you can see; “morphing” a shape on one end of a part into a different shape on the other end of the
