Wire EDM: New Opportunities Take Shape

Wire EDM is a critical technology in manufacturing high-precision metal parts requiring tight tolerances and superior surface quality. Machine suppliers continue to tailor wire EDM solutions optimized for industries such as aerospace, automotive (particularly electric vehicles), medical devices and electronics. 

UNITED MACHINING Makes Debut in North America with Wire EDM Advancements 

With the strategic acquisition of the GF Machining Solutions Division of Georg Fischer AG, UNITED GRINDING Group created UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS (Lincolnshire, Ill.), one of the largest machine tool manufacturers in the world. Part of the newly formed group, UNITED MACHINING made its North American debut at CMTS at the Toronto (Canada) Congress Centre. One of the machines featured was the AGIE CHARMILLES CUT P 350 Pro wire EDM.  

The AGIE CHARMILLES CUT P 350 Pro machine capitalizes on 70+ years of EDM technology. Ideal for any application, the CUT P 350 Pro features a robust design and the intuitive UNIQUA human/machine interface, as well as multiple automation options for lights-out operation.  

With Intelligent Power Generator technology, the CUT P 350 Pro delivers surface finishes as smooth as Ra 0.08 µm and heightens accuracy with integrated thermal regulation that enables it to achieve an accuracy of ±2µm. 

Linear scales and rotary encoders form a double measuring system that protects the X, Y, U, V and Z axes. In the event of a collision, the system differentiates between the linear scales indicating no movement and the rotary encoder indicating movement, which then automatically stops the axes without damage to machine or workpiece.  

In the QUADRAX® mechanical design of the CUT P 350 Pro, the table and work tank remain stationary; therefore, the workpiece does not move, allowing for heavy workpieces. Independent U/V and X/Y axes with equal length (X = U travel; Y = V travel), lower mass and completely independent movement produce large, tapered cuts of 45° over the entire length in Z. Additionally, a Rhenocast machine base offers lower thermal conductivity and vibration damping, helping to maintain high precision accuracy throughout the day.
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Wire EDM Performs 32” Submerged Machining 

The new Mitsubishi MV4800-ST wire EDM can perform submerged machining up to 32”, making it an excellent solution for large-part applications in industries including aerospace and energy. A subsidiary of the Mitsubishi Corp., MC Machinery Systems (Chicago, IL) is a premier North American supplier and servicer of fabrication, EDM and milling solutions, including Mitsubishi lasers, Mitsubishi EDMs and more. 

Features of the Mitsubishi MV4800-ST wire EDM include an advanced thermal stability system, automatic fluid-level control, Mitsubishi’s advanced auto-threading system, an ergonomic design, and the user-friendly Mitsubishi CNC control with 19” touchscreen.  

The MV4800-ST, which stands more than 11’ tall and more than 11’ wide, also has new Mitsubishi Electric technology, including: 

• Stainless steel work tank with a newly designed self-cleaning stainless steel seal plate and plate movement-transfer mechanism. 
  
• Three-level corner master control to increase corner precision during rough and skim cutting.
  
• Enhanced edge positioning with new edge and center pickup positions.
  
• New finish control system that reduces lines and fine steps while improving part straightness.
  
• Two new pulse-control technologies that shorten machining time and improve machining of low-conductivity materials. 

“Having a machine capable of fully submerging to 32 inches opens new opportunities for tall-part production in many growing industries,” said MC Machinery National Wire EDM Product and Application Manager Mike Bystrek.  

The MV4800-ST comes with two years of MC Machinery’s remote360 machine monitoring, which provides comprehensive real-time data to optimize efficiency and productivity.
mcmachinery.com

Wire EDM Balances High Precision With Productivity 

GF Machining Solutions’ (Lincolnshire, Ill.) AgieCharmilles CUT F Series Wire EDM balances high precision with productivity. GF Machining Solutions is the world’s leading provider of machine tools, diverse technical solutions and services to manufacturers of precision molds and tooling and of tight-tolerance, precision-machined components. Earlier this year at EASTEC, visitors to GF Machining’s (now UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS) booth were able to explore the reliability of the CUT F 600, the next generation in wire EDM technology. 

The highly versatile CUT F Series provides manufacturers extreme production control and flexibility for ultraprecise machining and high surface finish capability. The series builds on more than 70 years of GF Machining Solutions wire EDM innovation with thermal stabilization, enhanced axis encoders, improved ball screw precision and machine designs that reduce the effects of leverage and vibration for tight-tolerance part production.  

The CUT F 600 optimizes safe cutting processes thanks to the company’s Intelligent Spark Protection System Spark Track platform. Also available is the optional iWire adaptive software module to reduce wire consumption and RFID SMART wire spools that store wire characteristics traceability-related data. 

Users can easily program the machines with the advanced UNIQUA human/machine interface (HMI) that combines optimal functionality and ergonomics for every skill level on a 19” vertical screen. The UNIQUA HMI adapts to either sequential or object-oriented programming and is compatible with all major CAD/CAM programs.
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