Crack Propagation Notches

Most notches that we machine here at PH Tool™ are used as targets for one of many NDT disciplines such as UT or ET. But application for EDM notches doesn’t end there. We have many customers who use our super-precise slots as “Starter Notches” for crack propagation purposes. Think of these application-specific notches as initiators for the mechanical cycling and fatiguing in order to grow an actual crack. They have also been referred to as, “manufactured stress concentration artifacts." The name says it all. Care is given to engineer the exact size, shape, and location required to achieve the ideal result. EDM electrodes can be shaped to virtually any configuration to guide fatigue crack shape. Contact Technical Sales for more information on notches for Crack Propagation.