Maintenance and Modifications
EDM Drill Points Way to Easy Fastener Removal
System works on the hardest materials, including titanium
Jim Becker Perfect Point CEO
Perfect Point CEO Jim Becker demonstrated the E-Drill, which speeds up the process of removing even the hardest fasteners using electro-discharge machining technology. © AIN/Matt Thurber

Perfect Point EDM is demonstrating technology this week at NBAA-BACE that simplifies the tedious process of removing fasteners from aircraft structures without damaging the fastened material and speeding up the removal process. The company’s E-Drill also eliminates shavings, heat, and foreign object debris that occur with twist drilling.

The E-Drill uses electro-discharge machining (EDM), with a precision-sized electrode that matches the fastener size. To remove a fastener, the technician first selects the fastener and material type on the E-Drill display, then positions the vacuum-locator tool over the fastener, using a “bombsight” to align the tool. A vacuum holds the tool firmly, even on curved surfaces.

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