1
JOAL Mécanique générale
Clermont-Ferrand (63)
General engineering workshop specialising in turning, milling, cylindrical and surface grinding, and EDM, producing made-to-drawing parts from one-offs to medium batches.
Machining process
Wire EDM: Subcontracting and Precision Machining
Wire EDM (wire electrical discharge machining) is a spark erosion process that cuts electrically conductive metal parts using a metal wire carrying an electric current, without any direct mechanical contact. It enables the cutting of complex shapes, sharp corners, precision profiles, or dies, even on very hard materials such as hardened steels or carbide. This process is particularly suited to technical parts requiring high geometric precision, fine surface finishes, and tight tolerances, for one-off to medium-sized production runs.
Where to find a wire edm workshop
Cities are ranked by number of listed workshops. Each page details the companies and their specialities.
Besançon
25
4 workshops
Oyonnax
01
3 workshops
Annecy
74
2 workshops
Belfort
90
2 workshops
Bourg-en-Bresse
01
2 workshops
Clermont-Ferrand
63
2 workshops
Thiers
63
2 workshops
Angers
49
1 workshops
Issoire
63
1 workshops
Le Creusot
71
1 workshops
Lille
59
1 workshops
Marseille
13
1 workshops
Montbéliard
25
1 workshops
Montpellier
34
1 workshops
Pontarlier
25
1 workshops
Roanne
42
1 workshops
Toulouse
31
1 workshops
Choosing the right supplier
When to choose wire EDM over another process
Wire EDM is the process of choice when a part features complex shapes, sharp corners, or profiles that cannot be achieved by conventional milling, particularly on hard materials such as hardened steels, carbide, or alloys that are difficult to machine mechanically. It is also preferred for manufacturing punches, dies, jigs, or parts requiring very fine tolerances on substantial thicknesses. However, for simple geometries or high-volume production, other processes such as laser cutting or milling may prove more economical and faster.
The criteria that truly set two machine shops apart
Beyond the principle common to all shops, several technical factors make the difference: machine precision (tolerances typically ranging from ±0.005 to ±0.02 mm depending on thickness and material), the ability to handle substantial thicknesses, the range of wire diameters available for fine inner radii, and the quality of the resulting surface finish. Dimensional inspection equipment (coordinate measuring machine, profile projector) and expertise with specific materials such as tool steel, tungsten carbide, or titanium alloys are also decisive factors. Finally, the ability to handle one-off parts as well as larger batches with controlled lead times remains a key criterion for an industrial buyer.
What to prepare to get an accurate quote
To obtain an accurate cost estimate, it is necessary to provide a dimensioned drawing with functional tolerances clearly indicated, the exact nature of the material and its condition (raw, hardened, treated), as well as the dimensions and thickness of the part to be cut. It is also important to specify the desired quantity, any heat or surface treatments to be carried out before or after cutting, and the expected lead time. Any specific requirements regarding surface finish, minimum inner radii, or dimensional inspection reports must be mentioned to avoid discrepancies between the quote and the finished part.
Materials most often worked with this process
wire edm workshops
A selection of listed workshops, all cities combined.
2
Montferrand Mécanique
Clermont-Ferrand (63)
Clermont-based facility active for over 35 years, specialised in CNC and conventional precision mechanics. Offers a wide range of processes including wire and sinker EDM…
3
AMD
Belfort (90)
Workshop in the Territoire de Belfort offering design and manufacture of press tooling and plastic injection molds. Masters 2D/3D milling, turning, grinding and EDM proc…
4
Berthet Bondet Mécanique
Oyonnax (01)
5
Cryla
Besançon (25)
Precision mechanics company based in Besançon, recognised for its gear cutting and EDM activity. Also manufactures transmission shafts and mechanical assemblies. Meets t…
6
EFOP Erosion
Annecy (74)
Annecy-based specialist in wire and sinker EDM, with five dedicated machines. The company notably manufactures cutting tools, mould components and jigs for the aerospace…
7
EMO - Entreprise de Mécanique et d'Outillage
Thiers (63)
8
Erofil 71
Le Creusot (71)
9
L.A.T.S. Précision
Besançon (25)
Company based in Besançon specializing in wire EDM and micro-drilling from 0.15 mm. Processes steel and carbide parts for tooling and prototyping applications. Meets sin…
10
LIP Industrie
Besançon (25)
Besançon-based company active in machining microtechnical parts, with recognised expertise in titanium and stainless steel. Operates notably in the medical and watchmaki…
11
M.P.E.B.
Marseille (13)
12
Manufacture d'Outillage
Montbéliard (25)
Precision engineering firm active since 1966, focused on the manufacture of tooling and high-precision parts. Its long-standing presence in the Montbéliard area reflects…
13
MC2E - Technifil
Bourg-en-Bresse (01)
14
Mécanique de Précision Cherchell
Montpellier (34)
15
Mecasoka
Lille (59)
Precision machining company based in Lille, offering turning, milling, grinding and wire EDM. Produces one-off parts, prototypes and series with integrated quality contr…
16
Milgred
Belfort (90)
Machine shop based in Belfort specializing in precision and general mechanics, integrating wire and sinker EDM in its machine fleet. Handles demanding projects in small …
17
MPI Mécanique de Précision Issoirienne
Saint-Rémy-de-Chargnat (63)
18
Outicables
Pontarlier (25)
19
Outilleurs Angevins
Verrières-en-Anjou (49)
20
Precimade
Bourg-en-Bresse (01)
21
Precimade
Oyonnax (01)
22
PRECISION MIDI PYRENEES (PMP)
Roquettes (31)
23
SCMP
Roanne (42)
24
Seremo
Annecy (74)
Annecy-based industrial subcontractor dedicated to precision engineering, supporting its customers with technical advice in the manufacture of complex parts. The company…
25
TECHNIFIL MC2E
Oyonnax (01)
26
USIMICRON
Besançon (25)
Besançon-based company offering high-precision surface and profile grinding, as well as sinker and wire EDM. Works on carbide cutting tools and injection moulds. Mainly …
27
Viza Outillage de Précision
Thiers (63)
Frequently asked questions
What materials can be machined using wire EDM?
This process requires an electrically conductive material: steels (including hardened steels), tungsten carbide, titanium alloys, copper, brass, and aluminum are commonly machined. Non-conductive materials such as plastics or ceramics cannot be cut using this process.
What precision can be expected from wire EDM?
Typical tolerances range from ±0.005 to ±0.02 mm depending on the part's thickness, the wire diameter used, and the shop's machine. These figures are general guidelines that vary depending on the manufacturing context.
Is wire EDM suitable for high-volume production?
This process is better suited to one-off parts or small to medium production runs, due to the cutting time increasing with thickness and profile complexity. For large volumes, other processes may be more suitable in terms of lead time and cost.
What is the maximum thickness that can be machined with this process?
Capabilities vary by machine, but it is common to cut thicknesses ranging from a few millimeters to several hundred millimeters. It is recommended to check this capability directly with the shop in question based on the specific part.