GF Machining features wire EDM at Eastec

GF Machining Solutions will feature its new AgieCharmilles Cut F series wire EDM, which balances high precision with productivity, during Eastec from May 16 to 18 in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Visitors to the company's booth 1728 will get a first glimpse of this next-generation Wire EDM technology ahead of its global market launch later this year.

The versatile CUT F 600 Series provides manufacturers with extreme production control and flexibility for ultraprecise machining and high surface finish capability. The series builds on decades of GF Machining Solutions wire EDM technology development – 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 (ISPS) 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 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-inch vertical screen. The UNIQUA HMI adapts to either sequential or object-oriented programming and is compatible with all major CAD/CAM programs.

Also during EASTEC, GF Machining Solutions will feature its Mikron MILL S 200 U, a vertical high-speed machining center with unrestricted 5-axis machining capability. The machine is designed for the highest precision and surface quality and is well suited for tool and moldmaking and other high-precision parts production such as watch-making and micromechanics, electrode production, medical implants and devices, and fluidics.

For superior vibration damping and machining stability, the Mikron MILL S 200 U is built on a polymer concrete base and incorporates a robust 50,000 rpm spindle along with a separate cooling circuit for all linear axes and the circular swivel unit.

Micromachining and small-part precision is achieved with the use of low tactile forces in the Z axis and precise laser optics for measurement of very small tool diameters ranging from 25 mm to 20 mm. Multiple tool storage configurations are available with 30, 60 or 150 tool positions and the Mikron MILL S 200 U accepts a full range of automation and tooling solutions from GF Machining Solutions to further increase productivity.

Process that vaporizes conductive materials by controlled application of pulsed electrical current that flows between a workpiece and electrode (tool) in a dielectric fluid. Permits machining shapes to tight accuracies without the internal stresses conventional machining often generates. Useful in diemaking.

CNC machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger.

Runs endmills and arbor-mounted milling cutters. Features include a head with a spindle that drives the cutters; a column, knee and table that provide motion in the three Cartesian axes; and a base that supports the components and houses the cutting-fluid pump and reservoir. The work is mounted on the table and fed into the rotating cutter or endmill to accomplish the milling steps; vertical milling machines also feed endmills into the work by means of a spindle-mounted quill. Models range from small manual machines to big bed-type and duplex mills. All take one of three basic forms: vertical, horizontal or convertible horizontal/vertical. Vertical machines may be knee-type (the table is mounted on a knee that can be elevated) or bed-type (the table is securely supported and only moves horizontally). In general, horizontal machines are bigger and more powerful, while vertical machines are lighter but more versatile and easier to set up and operate.

Process similar to ram electrical-discharge machining except a small-diameter copper or brass wire is used as a traveling electrode. Usually used in conjunction with a CNC and only works when a part is to be cut completely through. A common analogy is wire electrical-discharge machining is like an ultraprecise, electrical, contour-sawing operation.