Interview with Xue Geng· ONA China Manager

Led by Xue Geng, our Chinese subsidiary continues to break records. Particularly in the booming New Energy Vehicle (NEV) and aeronautics sectors, where our flexibility is our greatest competitive advantage.

What do you like about EDM compared to other technologies?

Comparing with machining technologies, EDM has two outstanding and irreplaceable advantages. One is that EDM can make very complicate cavities due to using complicate geometry electrode combine with interpolation of axes. The other is EDM can make all Conductor material including high temperature alloy which is really difficult for machining equipment.

How do you see the future of EDM? What are the challenges?

In the future, EDM demanding is increasing but also full of challenges. The challenges include automation design of electrode and trajectory, adjust parameters reducing human intervention, make automation line combine EDM machines with robot, other machines and measurement device.

What technologies do you think can be great allies for EDM in the future?

Develop software to design of electrode and create trajectory automatic.
Combine EDM with additive manufacturing (3D printer), to realize the integration of “reducing materials+adding materials”

What emerging markets do you foresee in the world of EDM?

Turbine component, automobile especially New Energy Vehicle (NEV) -electricity cars 3M market

Do you remember a successful customer story that stood out to you?

Yes. The customer is a manufacturer to product engine of aircraft. Before cooperate with ONA, they have big issue to make “Housing” by milling machines as the material is nickel-based alloy. The wear of milling tool is big and high cost, and efficiency is low. ONA give them a turn-key solution to do the roughness by EDM, and finishing with milling machine. This is a very successful and classical case.

How many years have you been working at/with ONA?

12 years.

What is your function?

In the past, I am responsible for service and accounting. From this year, I start the new role of general manager of Chinese subsidiary.

What do you think makes ONA most characteristic and special?

High technology, keep research and development, flexible, more than 70 years EDM experience.

What do you like most about working at ONA?

I really enjoy talking application solution with ONA engineers and customer engineers. ONA really have a high-technology teams which is valuable and important to develop Chinese market.