Over the years, sinking electrical discharge machining has become one of the most important production technologies to manufacture very accurate three-dimensional complex components on any electrically conductive material. This article reports a literature review on the diversity of conventional and non-conventional materials that are used or have potential to be used as EDM electrodes. In addition, additive manufacturing of EDM electrodes are also reviewed. Keywords Sinking electrical discharge machining • EDM electrodes • Materials for electrodes • Additive manufacturing List of symbols î e Discharge current (A) t 0 Pulse interval time (μs) p in Dielectric inlet pressure (Pa) t d Ignition delay time (μs) t e Discharge duration (μs) t i Pulse duration (μs) t p Pulse cycle time (μs) u e Discharge voltage (V) û i Open-circuit voltage (V) V e Electrode wear rate (mm 3 /min) V w Material removal rate (mm 3 /min) W e Discharge energy (J)