Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a thermal machining process that uses electrical sparks to erode materials. EDM can machine hard metals and intricate shapes that would be difficult to produce with other methods. In EDM, an electrode is separated from the workpiece by a small gap filled with dielectric fluid. A series of electrical discharges passes between the electrode and workpiece, melting and vaporizing small amounts of material. This repetitive process creates a replica of the electrode shape in the workpiece. EDM can machine hard metals like tool steels and carbides with good accuracy and surface finish.