Wire EDM an d Diesinking Tool Changer

GF AgieCharmilles (Lincolnshire, IL) offers the CUT 20P wire EDM featuring a variety of new evolutions, including a new dielectric unit with three vertical Grundfos pumps for increased performance. CUT 20 P handles wire diameters from .10 to .30 mm with ease and offers the flexibility to satisfy requirements in the fields of general engineering and standard stamping.

GF AgieCharmilles equipped the CUT 20P with Integrated Collision Protection (ICP) on the X-, Y- and Z-axes. The ICP system prevents any breakage of sensitive parts and costly elements, allowing the operator to work with more confidence during job preparation and execution. Additionally, the CUT 20 P features faster wire rethreading, reducing time by 70% over GF AgieCharmilles’ previous CUT 20 model.

The CUT 20P features a new 17” LCD console, as well as the intuitive HMI (human-machine interface), which is built on the Windows XP platform to enable easy integration into a data network via LAN. This unique programming increases flexibility in the production environment and also allows new users to learn and understand the wire EDM process quickly.

Adding to the smart design of control is the inclusion of GF AgieCharmilles' "Speed" technology package, which allows the CUT 20P to achieve competitive results in terms of precision, time and surface roughness when machining jobs with 2 to 4 cuts. The CUT 20P's low energy consumption combined with the long working life of the wear parts reduces operating costs and helps to ensure profitability.

A variety of options for the CUT 20P are available: auxiliary M functions with PLC device to make it possible to run or synchronize an indexer or an alarm lamp alerting errors and finished processes.

GF AgieCharmilles also offers the new Fast Tool Changer (FTC) for its FO 350 range of diesinking EDM machines enables increased autonomy, flexibility and accessibility, along with unparalleled tool-change speeds and an error-free tool-changing process.

In contrast to conventional linear and rotary tool changers, GF AgieCharmilles’ FTC makes it possible to change electrodes between sparks, including the time required for the device to move the correct tool into the changing position, release the current tool and grasp the next one. The total change requires less than 15 seconds.

The FTC’s quick and smooth motion makes it ideal for production of small cavities, such as are required for mobile phones, tooling for connectors and lead frames essential to LED production and other applications consisting of small parts with complex geometries. Many of these applications involve parts ranging in size from 0.04” to 4” in diameter.

Moldmakers also stand to benefit from the FTC’s unique capabilities. Due to the large number of electrodes and varied spark erosion times between cavities, rapid tool changing allows for significant utilization and productivity gains.

GF AgieCharmilles’ FTC features a working area that allows operators to prepare electrodes before placing them in the machine. The magazine’s vertical position provides easy worker access, enabling rapid and fluid electrode positioning. The system offers 20 positions and accommodates up to 15 lbs per position and 264 lbs for the entire magazine. The FTC was also designed with a small footprint, making it easy to introduce additional capacity within a small shop layout.