The precision achievable by electric discharge machining (EDM) machines generally ranges from Ra1.25 to 0.16 micrometers.

Electric discharge machining machines can be classified based on wire feed speed into three categories: high-speed reciprocating wire EDM machines, low-speed unidirectional wire EDM machines, and vertical self-rotating wire EDM machines. They can also be categorized by the type of worktable into single-column cross worktable type and double-column type (commonly known as gantry type).

With the gradual improvement of large taper cutting technology, significant progress has also been made in variable taper and upper and lower irregular cutting processes. Breakthroughs in thick cutting technology have greatly improved cross-sectional and longitudinal precision, with processing thickness exceeding 1000mm. This gives reciprocating wire cutting machines a certain advantage.

Electric discharge machining machines simultaneously meet the needs of domestic and international customers. The number of electric discharge machining machines is growing rapidly, increasing from an annual output of 2,000 to 3,000 units to tens of thousands of units per year. Currently, the stock of reciprocating wire EDM machines in the country has reached over 200,000 units, applied in various types of mid to low-end mold manufacturing and special parts processing, becoming one of the most widely used types of CNC machines in China.

However, due to the inability of electric discharge machining machines to implement constant tension control on the electrode wire, the electrode wire tends to vibrate significantly, making it prone to breakage during processing. Since the electrode wire is used reciprocally, this leads to wear on the electrode wire, reducing processing precision and surface quality.