GF Machining Solutions’ new AgieCharmilles Cut P Series of wire EDMs provides users precise positioning and contouring capabilities for high part quality and productivity.
The Cut P 350/550/800/1250 machines feature efficient power generators, robust designs and intuitive human-machine interfaces (HMIs) as well as several automation options for lights-out operation.
With Intelligent Power Generator (IPG) technology, the EDMs deliver surface finishes as smooth as Ra 0.10 µm and boost cutting speeds by up to 20 per cent, claims the company. Several Expert systems further optimise the IPG’s cutting performance, especially for challenging applications.
Power-Expert monitors and smoothly changes power levels while the machine cuts parts with variable heights. The system protects the parts from unstable conditions while the machine maintains high cutting speeds. Simultaneously, this system controls the spark parameters during finish operations to provide high-quality surface finishes on variable-height parts. This maximises part finishes and significantly reduces the need for secondary benchwork.
Regardless of workpiece height, Wire-Expert dynamically controls wire wear to achieve continuous geometrical accuracy from all directions. For part profile accuracy, Profil-Expert automatically adapts the machining parameters and the cut path for rough and skim passes to provide excellent control of fine details and to ensure positioning and contour accuracies of ±2 µm, while TAPER-EXPERT technology cuts angles from 0 to 30 degrees (45 degrees as an option) to maximum Z heights.
Taper-Expert corrects shifts of the Z reference position in real time, even when the taper angle is changing. The taper angle is also held to within 10 seconds on average, providing taper accuracy and geometry reference accuracy throughout the taper cut.
Fixed tables on the machines provide rigidity and stability that ensure accuracy when machining heavy workpieces. Integrated temperature regulation systems consistently maintain temperatures within ±0.2 degrees C, which guarantees repeatability over long periods of time. However, in shops where the ambient temperature may vary throughout the day, a Thermostability option provides an extra layer of temperature control protection from thermal effects on machine axes.
The machines also feature GF Machining Solutions’ collision protection technology in the X, Y, U, V and Z axes that prevents potential machine damage and eliminates costly down time and maintenance, even at maximum axis travel speeds of 3 m/min.
The Windows 7-based AC Cut HMI 2 user interface on the machines simplifies file management and maximizes operator efficiency with its 19 in. touch screen and today’s i7 CPU technology. This system also supports intuitive programming directly on the control as well as imported CAD/CAM files with built-in AC CAM Easy CAD/CAM software. The EDM series is also ready for the Internet of Things/Industry 4.0 with eConnectivity features that connect the machine to larger shop management systems for effective monitoring and increased machine utilisation.
New automation solutions, including Automatic Slug Management (ASM), Automatic Slug Welding (ASW) and Renishaw probing system, reduce processing time by up to 20 per cent in lights-out production environments. Additionally, the Cut P Series 350 and 550 can integrate with robots such as the System 3R WorkPartner 1+ that automatically loads and unloads parts for a single machine or within a two-machine automation cell that doubles machine production capacities.
With over 600 dedicated, pre-programmed cutting processes, the machines optimise production for electronics, automotive, medical and mold and die manufacturers. The series tackles parts ranging from less than 1mm up to 800mm in height, weighing up to 6 000 kg made of a host of materials from steel, carbide and copper to aluminum, titanium and graphite. Wires are available in 0.1mm, 0.15mm, 0.2mm, 0.25mm, 0.3mm and 0.33mm diameters.
For more information contact Retecon Machine Tools on TEL: 011 976 8600 or visit www.retecon.co.za
