Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus and a process for trimming the tip of a spark erosion electrode includes a mirror system for selectively diverting a hole drilling laser beam through a path which intersects the tip of an electrode used to finish laser holes by spark erosion of the walls of the laser formed hole. The apparatus includes one mirror unit which is selectively positioned to intercept the hole drilling laser beam for diverting it for electrode trimming. The process includes the steps of sequentially forming a plurality of holes in a part by first directing a laser beam against the part to form a rough hole therethrough and then directing the flat ended tip of a wire electrode through the rough hole and applying a predetermined current pulse from the electrode to the part to spark erode the rough hole to a precision shape; and noncontact dressing the wire electrode when a taper is eroded therein at intervals during the sequential hole formation to reshape the wire electrode to form a flat surface tip thereon without the formation of burrs or whiskers at the periphery thereof.

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First Claim