Wire EDM and 5-Axis Machined POM Drone Components

POM machines cleanly but moves with heat, so we use sharp uncoated or polished carbide tools, high spindle speeds and light finishing passes to hold size. Five-axis milling lets us cut clamp profiles and angled holes in one setup. For metal parts with sharp internal corners, narrow slots or hardened steel, wire EDM cuts the profile with a thin wire and leaves no cutting force on the part.

POM has low friction and good dimensional stability for gears and bushings, but it does not bond well with adhesives and is not suitable above roughly 100 °C continuous. PEEK costs more yet handles heat and stiffness better. On the metal side, wire EDM works on hardened tool steel, stainless and titanium, achieving corner radii as small as the wire allows, often around 0.1–0.15 mm.

Gear tooth profiles and bore sizes are checked on the first article, and plastic parts are measured after they have stabilized at room temperature, since POM can shift slightly after machining. EDM profiles are verified with optical or CMM measurement. Typical uses include gimbal drive gears, folding arm latches, motor mount clamps, landing skid bushings and hardened release-mechanism plates.