Patent ID: 6423920
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: B23H

Abstract:
A power supply for repeatedly providing a current pulse to a working gap formed between a tool electrode and a workpiece, comprising:a d.c. power source; a first switching element connected between the d.c. power source and the working gap; a capacitor connected in parallel with the working gap; a second switching element for controlling current flow from the capacitor to the working gap; a detector for detecting start of an electric discharge; and a controller for controlling the first switching element and the second switching element in response to the detector wherein current is supplied from the d.c. power source through the first switching element to the working gap for a first time interval from commencement of an electric discharge, and current is supplied from the capacitor through the second switching element to the working gap for a second time interval, shorter than the first time interval, starting from commencement of the electric discharge.