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Compact Milling and EDM Technology



GF Machining Solutions will display several flexible, compact and high-performance automation solutions and a wire electrical discharge machine (EDM) designed specifically for aerospace work at EASTEC 2015. Products highlighted will include the new Mikron HEM 500U high-efficiency milling machine, CUT 200 Sp wire EDM, System 3R Transformer automation and the FORM 20iRTC sinker EDM. Visitors to the booth will also see a variety of EDM consumable products including high-performance EDM wires.

Mikron HEM 500U Milling Machine

"The Mikron HEM 500U high-efficiency milling machine with a 10-position pallet changer (PCH) provides high-performance, high-value 5-axis capabilities to manufacturers focused on efficient, accurate and reliable parts production. Ideal for cutting parts from aluminum alloys and steel, the HEM 500U features a highly dynamic 12,000 RPM ISO-B40 spindle and 30-tool magazine that provides a 2-second chip-to-chip time for high-speed continuous milling operations. Additionally, a 20,000 RPM spindle and 60-tool changer are available," said a company spokesperson.

A trunnion table measuring 19.7" in diameter and accommodating workpiece weights up to 440 pounds tilts -65/+110 degrees in the B-axis and rotates 360 degrees in C for 3 + 2 machining as well as 5-side positioning. Axis travels in X, Y and Z measure 19.7", 17.7" and 15.7", respectively, while a distance of 5.9" between the machine spindle nose and rotary table surface allows for ample maneuverability around workpieces.

"The HEM 500U relies on a new Heidenhain iTNC 530 control. This versatile, workshop-oriented control for 5-axis (3 + 2) machining features an integrated digital drive control with integrated inverter, enabling it to produce a highly accurate workpiece contour while machining at high velocity," said the spokesperson. The HEM 500U also comes equipped with Smart machining modules that provide advanced levels of monitoring critical to the production of aerospace and defense parts.

CUT 200 Sp Wire EDM

"The CUT 200 Sp Speed Edition is a versatile and economical wire EDM machine, providing fast spark-to-spark wire threading, high levels of energy efficiency and most significantly, unmatched productivity when cutting parts of variable heights," said the spokesperson. The CUT 200 Sp accommodates wire diameters ranging from 0.002" to 0.012" and can handle part tapers of up to 45 degrees, regardless of part thickness. GF Machining Solutions reports the machine's digital CC generator enables surface finishes as fine as Ra 0.1 um and it offers an industrial cutting speed of 15.75 in2/min.

The CUT 200 Sp employs GF Machining Solutions' Power Expert smart module, which continuously calculates part thickness, and checks injection pressure and adjusts machine power accordingly. This prevents wire breakage when changing the part thickness being machined. "As a result, the CUT 200 Sp improves accuracy and cutting speed in parts of variable heights, such as plastic injection molds, aluminum extrusion dies and components for the aerospace and medical industries," said the spokesperson.

System 3R Transformer

The System 3R Transformer is a scalable automation system that provides manufacturers with flexibility. Manufacturers can automate a single machine or expand the cell to include up to 12 machines using a wide range of machining technologies.

Additionally, the open-architecture system is vendor-neutral, allowing components from different manufacturers to be included within the same cell. This approach gives end users the ability to create an automation cell where each individual component decision is optimized, as opposed to having choice constrained by compatibility.

The system also provides user-friendly cell-management software whereby all production data is entered in a structured manner or imported through a data exchange interface for major enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The software then controls every aspect of the cell, from automatically loading jobs to machines to recording and monitoring cycle times for each job.

FORM 20 iRTC Sinker EDM

GF Machining Solutions will also demonstrate the automated FORM 20 iRTC (integrated Rotary Tool Changer) sinker EDM. The system features the recently developed AgieCharmilles AC Form HMI, a flexible control developed for a die-sinking EDM. It allows shops to accommodate jobs that require multiple electrodes or several workpieces varying in size and geometry.

"As a truly integrated and compact system, the iRTC boosts part processing flexibility while it improves uninterrupted unattended production capability," said the spokesperson. It accommodates electrodes weighing up to 22 pounds and measuring 5.9" x 3.94" or up to 5.9" in diameter as well as in height. And depending on electrode/workpiece size, the changer holds either eight or 16 electrodes or workpieces.

For more information contact:

Gisbert Ledvon

GF Machining Solutions

560 Bond St.

Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224

800-CTC-1EDM

gisbert.ledvon@georgfischer.com

www.gfms.com/us

EASTEC Booth 1236

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