An Indian patent has been granted to Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College (GNDEC) for developing a technology for wire-cut Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM).
The wire-EDM is a machining process used to cut the hard and tough materials for a variety of applications in the manufacturing of dyes, tools and moulds. The patented technology involves cryogenic treatment to the wire that is used to cut the material. In simple terms, cryogenic treatment is the process whereby materials are cooled to cryogenic temperatures i.e. from -150 °C (-238 °F) to absolute zero (-273 °C or -460 °F).
The cryogenically-treated brass wire enhances its cutting ability and also improves the surface finish of the work piece. According to Dr Jatinder Kapoor, Professor in Mechanical Engineering Department, GNDEC, the developed wire will not only enhance the production rate of the component but also improve the surface quality.
Testing the technology at various stages was a challenging task, but perseverance, dogged determination and timely support from industries in Baddi and Meerut proved helpful. The Institute for Auto Parts and Hand Tools Technology in Ludhiana too contributed in good measure to the successful testing of the technology. Dr Kapoor says the manufacturers of the wires for wire-EDM machines may get a lot of economic benefit by commercialising the technology.
The patent was filed through Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), a Government of India agency. According to Dr Kapoor, the patent is the outcome of the research work he carried out under the supervision of Dr Sehijpal Singh, Principal GNDEC, who was also his PhD guide. “We have published a number of international research papers based upon this research work,” says Dr Kapoor.
Dr Kapoor says the Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College will sign an MoU with EDM-wire manufacturers shortly to transfer the technology. 
