Workflow: To create an electrode

The Electrode Wizard allows you to select your workpiece, and design an electrode for use with EDM. You can do this in a number of ways depending on the contents of your model.

To design an electrode using the Electrode Wizard:

1. Select the objects in your model as required and click Wizard tab > Electrode panel > Create:
   • If the model does not contain an active solid, the Select Workpiece and Electrode Objects page is displayed. Select the objects from the model that represent the workpiece and, if applicable, the electrode.
   • If the model contains an active solid which is the product, but no electrode object, the Select Region to Make Electrode page is displayed. The Electrode Wizard then takes you through steps to design the electrode, using the Extension Distance Options and Specify Electrode Blank pages.
   • If the model contains an active solid which is the workpiece, and you have pre-selected a registered solid from which you want to create the electrode, a query dialog asks if the electrode solid includes a base. Click:
     • Yes — if the electrode object includes a base. The Specify Electrode Blank page is displayed and you can modify the options.
     • No — if you want the Electrode Wizard to create a base. An alternate Specify Electrode Blank page is displayed. This allows you to specify the shape, dimensions, material and other options, and automatically draws the base in the graphics window.
2. Add a holder to the electrode, using the Specify Electrode Holder page.
3. Enter general information on the electrode, generate fill-in surfaces, and generate setup sheets using the General Options page.
4. Create a family of electrodes from the electrode you have designed, using the Electrode Family page.
5. Export the electrode and create a summary spreadsheet using the Export Options page. You can export to:
   • PowerMill.
   • Other CAM software.

   And include:

   • EDM data-transfer files.
   • Inspection points for PowerInspect.

If you click Finish at any stage, the wizard creates an electrode using the current settings.

If you click the Exit button, you exit the wizard with the objects you have already created.

If you click Cancel, any objects created as part of the electrode are removed.