edm wire cutting uses a metallic wire (electrode) to cut a programmed contour in a workpiece. extrusion dies and blanking punches are very often machined by wire cutting. in the machining area, each discharge creates a cr......edm wire cutting uses a metallic wire (electrode) to cut a programmed contour in a workpiece. extrusion dies and blanking punches are very often machined by wire cutting. in the machining area, each discharge creates a crater in the workpiece (material removal) and an impact on the tool (wear of the tool/electrode). the wire can be inclined, thus making it possible to make parts with taper or with different profiles at the top and bottom. the wire is usually made of brass or stratified copper, and is between 0.02 and 0.03 mm diameter.