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New High-Speed Z-Axis for Large Sinker EDM Applications



Makino has announced its new HS-Rib high-speed Z-axis technology designed for improved speed, lower electrode wear and more uniform finishes in large sinker EDM processes. "When it comes to reducing sinker EDM cycle times, it is not the maximum jump speed that is important, but rather the acceleration speed," said a company spokesperson. "Makino's new high-speed Z-axis technology has a jump rate four times faster and Z-axis acceleration rate 30 times faster over previous technologies. This capability produces a more efficient hydraulic effect during machine processing, which helps evacuate debris from the spark gap, even in deep-rib features."

"As with all machining processes, there is an insatiable desire to reduce cycle times while meeting part-quality requirements in sinker EDM processing," said Brian Pfluger, Makino's EDM Product Manager. "Fulfilling these needs involves a number of considerations, including how to process for best speed and efficiency, minimize electrode manufacturing requirements and reduce electrode wear to achieve the best possible surface finish quality. Our new high-speed Z-axis technology, combined with Makino's SuperSpark IV, helps support these factors, providing an ideal balance for efficiency in both electrode consumption and cycle times without the need for external auxiliary flushing."

The new high-speed Z-axis technology is available on all Makino EDNC-Series sinker EDM machines and is designed for use in large workpiece applications requiring high accuracy and fine surface finishes. Its design offers flexible processing capabilities, including a jump rate of 20 m per minute with 1.5-G acceleration, Z-axis strokes ranging from 500 to 800 mm and programming of orbital machining patterns with no amperage limitations. The use of direct-drive motor technology and liquid cooling within the Z-axis structure is designed to ensure sustained thermal stability and precise depth control, and it supports electrode weights of up to 100 kg (220 lbs.).

Makino also offers the following four process strategies for optimal performance based on users' unique requirements for speed, surface quality, accuracy and electrode wear:

  • Low wear settings: provide a single-electrode rough and finish process
  • Advanced orbit and jump settings: improve machining speeds and surface finish consistency
  • High-speed Z-axis: improve machining speeds and accuracy
  • Aggressive power settings: optimize machining speed (sacrifices electrode wear).

Makino EDNC-Series Sinker EDMs

"Makino's EDNC-Series sinker EDM machines combine rigid and precise construction, simple programming and advanced performance features for accurate EDMing of large workpieces," said the spokesperson. "Equipped with the new high-speed Z-axis technology, these large, heavy-duty machines can produce deep ribs as fast as, or faster than, the smallest sinker EDM machines on the market. Automatic tool change and adaptive controls enable high levels of unattended machining without the need for operator intervention and is further supported with advanced automatic jump machining controls to optimize debris removal without the need for external flushing.

"EDNC sinker EDMs are built for efficiency with several features. The machine uses a space-saving design that incorporates the dielectric reservoir into the base casting, which saves on floor space while improving the thermal stability of the machine. Most EDNC-Series machines have a full three-sided programmable drop tank with unparalleled ergonomic access to the machine for set-ups and operation. All machines feature fully automatic fire-suppression systems and use a special UV sensor that provides a first line of defense for added operational safety. Programming can be performed using the menu-driven touchscreen advanced model plan or streamlined MPG conversational format systems. Both methods offer simple selection of machining conditions for workpiece and electrode material type and the desired feature shape and surface finish. The machine also is designed with advanced menu-driven 2-D and 3-D orbital motion techniques that provide high accuracy and uniform surface finish results over the entire workpiece detail regardless of complexity.

"All EDNC-series sinker EDMs can be equipped with Makino's proprietary High-Quality Surface Finish (HQSF) technology that yields achievable surface finish capabilities 50% better than that of conventional surface finishes, regardless of discharge surface area. Even when machining to standard/conventional surface finishes, the HQSF technology can yield a double-digit saving in cycle time."

For more information contact:

Mark Rentschler

Makino Inc.

7680 Innovation Way

Mason, OH 45040

800-552-3288

www.makino.com

Southwest

TX

Andy Mustaine

Single Source Technologies

1701 W. Northwest Hwy.

Grapevine, TX 76051

877-778-5151

andy.mustaine@singlesourcetech.com

OK

KOMT

9511 E 55th Place

Tulsa, OK 74145

918-664-6064

tulsa@komt.com

LA

Michelle Hanberry

c/o Oliver Van Horn Co.

4100 Euphrosine St.

New Orleans, LA 70125

504-210-3042

michelle-hanberry@ohvanhorn.com

NM

Moncktons Machine Tools, Inc.

928 Canvas Back Rd.

Rio Rancho, NM 87144

505-891-8845

hmorrismmt@aol.com

AR

Bill Myers

Single Source Technologies (SST)

26762 Success Drive

P.O. Box 708

Madison, AL 35758

256-301-0040

bill.myers@singlesourcetech.com

Southeast

NC, SC, VA

Dan Beckman

Single Source Technologies (SST)

415 Brookshire Road

Greer, SC 29651

864-801-8181

www.singlesourcetech.com

W. NC, SC

Chris Beckman

Single Source Technologies (SST)

415 Brookshire Road

Greer, SC 29651

Cell: 864-915-7307

chris.beckman@singlesourcetech.com

E. VA, Northeast NC

Bob Hodge

Single Source Technologies (SST)

1316 Elmwood Drive

Colonial Heights, VA 23834

Cell: 804-720-2198

bob.hodge@singlesourcetech.com

West Central NC, E. SC, W. VA

Bob Winstanley

Single Source Technologies (SST)

148 Hampshire Drive

Mooresville, NC 28115

Cell: 704-577-3391

bob.winstanley@singlesourcetech.com

Central NC, VA

Dan Fredrickson

Single Source Technologies (SST)

415 Brookshire Road

Greer, SC 29651

Cell: 336-831-4246

dan.fredrickson@singlesourcetech.com

AL, GA, MS, TN

Bill Myers

Single Source Technologies (SST)

26762 Success Drive

P.O. Box 708

Madison, AL 35758

Cell: 256-777-8806

bill.myers@singlesourcetech.com

www.singlesourcetech.com

AR, Upper MS, W.TN

Tom Van Hersh

Single Source Technologies (SST)

26762 Success Drive

P.O. Box 708

Madison, AL 35758

Cell: 901-569-2251

thomas.vanhersh@singlesourcetech.com

Central and Eastern TN

Craig Montalbano

Single Source Technologies (SST)

26762 Success Drive

P.O. Box 708

Madison, AL 35758

Cell: 865-805-3686

craig.montalbano@singlesourcetech.com

AL

Jack Nash

Single Source Technologies (SST)

26762 Success Drive

P.O. Box 708

Madison, AL 35758

Cell: 205-612-9371

jack.nash@singlesourcetech.com

GA, FL

Gaylon Gregory

Single Source Technologies (SST)

26762 Success Drive

P.O. Box 708

Madison, AL 35758

Cell: 770-283-4852

gaylon.gregory@singlesourcetech.com

AL, AR, FL, GA, MS, TN

Bob Ash

Single Source Technologies (SST)

Tooling & Consumables

26762 Success Drive

P.O. Box 708

Madison, AL 35758

Cell: 256-200-1100

bob.ash@singlesourcetech.com

FL

Bob Arthur

Robert Arthur Machinery, Inc.

5903 Johns Rd.

Tampa, FL 33634

813-887-4455

sales@arthurmachinery.com

www.arthurmachinery.com

Northeast

CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, NH, NJ,

E. PA, RI, Long Island (EDM only)

Single Source Technologies (SST)

30 Chapin Road, Suite 1208

P.O. Box 655

Pine Brook, NJ 07058-0655

800-336-7283 / 973-227-6601

www.singlesourcetech.com

MA, CT, ME, NH, RI, VT

Able Machine Tool Sales

800 Silver St.

Agawam, MA 01001

413-786-4662

sales@ablemts.com

www.ablemts.com

DE, NJ, MD, E. PA, Long Island

Automation Solutions, Inc.

2 Hagerty Blvd., Ste. 300

West Chester, PA 19382-4956

610-430-3670

inquire@asi-pa.com

www.asi-pa.com

NY

Meagley Machinery, Inc.

8384 Glen Eagle Dr.

P.O. Box 51

Manlius, NY 13104

315-952-8525

W. PA, WV

Allegheny Machine

632 E. McMurray Rd.

McMurray, PA 15317

800-269-4090 / 724-942-4451

www.allegmach.com

Midwest

KY

Technical Equipment Sales

P.O. Box 99793

Louisville, KY 40269

800-852-0582

IN

Technical Equipment Sales

4501 Earhart Lane

Ft. Wayne, IN 46809

800-852-0582

OH

Technical Equipment Sales

10165 International Blvd.

Cincinnati, OH 45246

800-852-0582 / 513-874-0160

Technical Equipment Sales

6900 Southpointe Pkwy., Ste. A

Brecksville, OH 44141

800-852-0582

MI

Single Source Technologies (SST)

2600 Superior Court

Auburn Hills, MI 48326

248-232-6232

ctg@singlesourcetech.com

MN, ND, SD

Productivity, Inc.

15150 25th Ave. N

Minneapolis, MN 55447-1981

763-476-8600

productivity@productivity.com

WI

Preston Giles

Single Source Technologies (SST)

W229 N2510 Duplainville Rd., Unit 2

Waukesha, WI 53186

262-960-0463

IL

Preston Giles

Single Source Technologies (SST)

1135 Jansen Farm Dr.

Elgin, IL 60123

847-468-1295

NE

Productivity, Inc.

13435 A Street

Omaha, NE 68144

402-330-2323

prone@productivity.com

IA

Productivity, Inc.

9440 Atlantic Drive SW

Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

319-734-3403

dsmith@productivity.com

KS

Mark Rehwinkel

Makino - Direct Wichita

2333 S. West St.

Bldg #100, Suite #103

Wichita, KS 67217

513-573-3607

mark.rehwinkel@makino.com

MO

Preston Giles

SST-Midwest

1135 Jansen Farm Drive

Elgin, IL 60123

847-468-1295

West

N. CA, NV

John Cardana

Clancy Machine

3942 Valley Ave., Bldg. K

Pleasanton, CA 94566

925-249-2299

Cell: 925-575-4011

jcardana@clancymachinetool.com

S. CA

Scott Venter

Single Source Technologies (SST)

17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K

Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429

Cell: 714-329-1439

scott.venter@singlesourcetech.com

S. CA (Inland Empire, San Diego)

Wes Colony

Single Source Technologies (SST)

17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K

Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429

Cell: 714-904-3804

wes.colony@singlesourcetech.com

S. CA (Los Angeles, Orange County)

Bill Gocke

Single Source Technologies (SST)

17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K

Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429

Cell: 714-659-0552

bill.gocke@singlesourcetech.com

S. CA (San Fernando Valley,

San Gabriel Valley, Santa Clarita Valley)

Rob Wood

Single Source Technologies (SST)

17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K

Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429

Cell: (805) 844-1331

rob.wood@singlesourcetech.com

AZ

David Gundersen

Single Source Technologies (SST)

17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K

Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429

Cell: 602-228-0347

david.gundersen@singlesourcetech.com

MT, ID, WY, UT, WY, CO

Mark Smith

Moncktons Machine Tools (CO)

637 Osage Street

Denver, CO 80204

Cell: 303-917-3072

msmith@mmtdenver.com

OR, WA

John Ellis

Ellis Machinery

6226 20th Street E

Fife, WA 98424

253-926-6868

john@ellismachinery.com

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