Wire & Sinker EDM Machinist

Company Profile

Dynacast Peterborough is known for its multi-slide technology, standard die casting with integrated automation, and IMA (Injected Metal Assembly) precision zinc manufacturing. IMA offers a unique process where precision tooling is combined with metal alloys and is used to join multiple components into a ready-to-use assembly with a single operation. Dynacast Peterborough is dedicated to designing, building, manufacturing, and delivering quality die cast components. Below are additional details about what is offered at the Peterborough location:

• 40 multi-slide proprietary zinc die casting machines ranging from 12 to 21 tons
• Five multi-slide proprietary zinc die casting machines ranging from 70 to 200 tons
• Injected Metal Assembly (IMA) up to one ton
• Precision tool building with in-house capabilities
• Design, prototyping, and modeling services
• Wide range of finishing surfaces available including tumbling, polishing, shot blasting and thermal de-burring
• Cosmetic or protective coating equipment either through certified suppliers or in-house
• Wide range of secondary operations including CNC machining, tapping, reaming, and drilling

About the Role:

The CNC Machinist (EDM) will efficiently and effectively program and operate any one (1) of the Computer Numeric Control (CNC) EDM RAM, EDM WIRE, CNC Mill or Machining Centres to machine tooling and machine related components to close tolerances and drawing specifications, while maximizing cutting parameters, machine utilization and efficiency.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Completing programming set up and operating a CNC EDM machine (Wire and Sinker) to achieve maximum efficiency while producing optimum quality product.

• Review project complex drawings and blueprints, identify and cut materials to size (where required);
• Determine the complex fixturing, tooling and/or electrodes and flushing method required as outlined on the work priority list and assemble into a job box;
• Make, grind, (re)dress and sharpen special tool bits, cutters, boring tools, etc. as required for odd shapes and special applications;
• Machine and produce finished cavity electrodes to the requirements of the supplied drawing;
• Calculate work piece set up required to achieve design features, and determine machine tools, feeds, speeds, electrodes and flushing methods, etc. required to achieve maximum metal removal, best possible finish, size and tool life (i.e. carbide versus high-speed steel);
• Generate part program functions for the machine to specifications identified on the drawings and in the production file;
• Create and store programs on the PC using CAD/CAM software, and download programs from PC to CNC machines as needed;
• Stage the work piece, establish the zero datum point to set the tool, and machine through the various stages and operations;
• Inspect and measure parts using appropriate measuring tools, at various stages of the machining process to ensure compliance to rigid dimensional specifications, document data, input work hours into the system to close out the work order, and release for appropriate distribution;
• Consult with required individual(s) to resolve machining/operations issues identified that may impact quality part production, revise set-up and machining programs on the system as required for part improvement or new tooling, electronically file to the PC, and document in the production folder;
• Select and use customer Macro programming systems to accommodate variables in the program such as quantities, draft angles, radii, compound angles, special contours, etc, and write manual program when necessary;
• Document, update and maintain stored programs, computer parameters and tooling specifications on floppy disc (i.e. engineering changes);
• Monitor/visually check the electrode condition and wear before each use, redress when applicable and check dimensionally before use, and plan/prepare for new or replacement electrodes to the CNC machining operation stage.

To perform miscellaneous routine operations and maintenance functions to support efficient machine and department operations.

• Design and manufacture specialty tooling and fixturing to accomplish a variety of high complexity projects, work pieces, and prototypes as required;
• Incorporate the use of optical probe to minimize set up and inspection time through Macro programming and canned cycles;
• Review tool and/or electrode design and suggest changes or redesign to improve cutting times, accuracy of cavity, engineering specifications, or customer modifications;
• Select and maintain stock of tooling, tooling inserts, grinding wheels, and identify new tooling to improve manufacturing processes and capabilities;
• Operate overhead bridge crane to load and unload fixtures, parts and dispose of waste material;
• Daily clean up of workstation and machines;
• Check and maintain oil and coolant levels in machines and complete Preventative Maintenance (P.M.) requirements according to P.M. schedule;
• Assist in the 'on the job' orientation of back-up or new CNC Machinists as required;
• Set up and grind electrodes, and make blank electrodes as needed;
• Attend production meetings and communications meetings when required.

• Certificate of Qualification as a Machinist; OR
• Minimum Grade 12; AND
• Minimum of eight (8) years' trade-related precision (+/- .0002", .005 mm) machining experience, preferably within an ISO certified manufacturing environment; OR
• 2 year Mechanical Engineering Technician Diploma: AND
• Minimum of three (3) years' trade-related precision (+/- .0002", .005 mm) machining experience, preferably within an ISO certified manufacturing environment;
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience working in a CNC Machinist (1) capacity;
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in a high complexity, precision (+/- .0002", .005 mm) environment and programming CNC machinery, with a focus on Wire and Sinker EDM.

Skills & Knowledge Required:

• Advanced level knowledge and understanding of CNC programming languages and skills, and computer keyboard functions and controls, specifically wire and sinker EDM;
• Advanced level/complex blueprint reading for interpretation and conceptualizing/visualizing complex machining operations/procedures to develop the program and manufacture the work piece to extremely tight tolerances and specifications;
• Advanced level working knowledge of trigonometry and mathematical functions/calculations;
• Advanced level ability to measure precisely in either metric or imperial measurement systems, using measuring tools and convert CNC systems from one to the other;
• Advanced level ability to operate all standard tool room equipment;
• Advanced level knowledge and proficiency in personal computer applications, with MS Office and MFG/Pro preferred;
• Advanced level knowledge and proficiency with CAD/CAM software to problem solve and troubleshoot programming issues;
• Proficiency in welding skills preferred;
• Advanced level knowledge, understanding and appreciation for the specified electrode cavity/finishes;
• Proficiency and working knowledge of workshop/machining practices/procedures governing all phases of job specific machine/equipment operation.

Work Location: In person

Shift Work Required: Days/Afternoons Monday-Friday

Please note: All job postings at Dynacast Ltd. are to fill existing vacancies within the Company.

Dynacast does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of the applicant screening process. Applications are reviewed by a member of our Human Resources team.