The effect of zinc oxide on the cutting speed of wire electrodes for electrical discharge machining

Metallic zinc and zinc oxide have been known to improve the cutting speed of wire electrodes for electrical discharge machining since 1979. If the effect of low vaporization temperature metals such as zinc is well known, the effect of zinc oxide is less obvious. A possible explanation has been searched for. The direct transition of zinc oxide from solid to vapor around 2000°C may be a reason for its effect on the efficiency of the EDM process. By remaining in the solid state at the surface of the wire, zinc oxide would prevent some of the liquid brass deposition on the piece.