IMTS visitors can watch and learn more about how a die sinker EDM, a machining center and a robot can be integrated into an automated machining cell. At IMTS in Absolute Machine Tools booth E-5225, which is displaying the AccuteX brand of wire and sinker EDMs, the cell will be producing multiple cavity and core components for the mold and die industry. According to the company, the live demonstration will showcase electrode management, robotic part handling and advanced control intelligence, along with the production machinery.
In the demonstration at IMTS, a FANUC M-20iA robot will tend a manufacturing cell consisting of a Tongtai TMV-510G machining center and an AccuteX DS-550CM die sinker EDM. The EDM has an X, Y, Z working capacity of 20 in. x 16 in. x 14 in. (500 mm x 400 mm x 355 mm). The work table size is 32 in. x 18 in. (813 mm x 457 mm). Maximum workpiece size is 47 in. x 27 in. x 17 in., (1,194 mm x 686 mm x 686 mm) and this machine can accommodate workpiece weights up to 2,970 lbs. (1,345 kg).
AccuteX designed the EDM using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to ensure high accuracy machining. Further contributing to its rigidity is a heavily ribbed, high-grade Meehanite casting. Premium grade components, such as precise drive system, linear bearings, class 5 pre-tensioned fine finish ballscrews and high resolution servo motors are used, along with roller type linear guideways and optical scales. Options for the DS-550 for greater flexibility include a built-in C-axis with 360° indexing, an automatic electrode changer, dielectric cooler, and custom tooling package. It is designed to perform 3-axis machining in six directions, multi-cavity, circular, square and any angle orbiting, internal/external spherical and 45° corner machining. Further, the EDM performs 3-axis linear machining, 2-axis arc machining, and offers helical machining electrode compensation. The AccuteX control's 15 in. industrial grade, LCD monitor is easy to read and in full color. Its software supports dialogue options for simple, straight-forward programming and operation.
According to the company, the Tongtai TMV-510G machining center in the cell is engineered for high speed, efficient production of precision graphite electrodes and similar items. A fixed column/moving table type machine, it features a high performance 20,000 RPM direct drive spindle that is oil cooled for thermal stability and a 20 station high-speed arm-type automatic tool changer (ATC) that produces tool changes in 0.8 seconds and chip-to-chip times of 1.9 seconds.
"With X-Y-Z travels of 20", 14.2", and 11.8" (500 mm, 355 mm, 295 mm) respectively, and a 23.6" x 13.6" (590 mm x 340 mm) work table area, the machine offers useful work volume in a compact 95" x 55" x 90" (2,375 mm x 1,375 mm x 2,250 mm) footprint that conserves valuable shop floor space," said a company spokesperson.
The Tongtai TMV-510G in the cell at IMTS has features provided specifically for graphite machining. The arm-type ATC is designed to keep tools away from contamination and out of the work zone and a standard full cover on top of the machine contains dust. A Donaldson Torit DFO 2-2 1200 CFM dust collector evacuates dust from the machine and automatic shakers clean the filters and deposit the dust into a convenient-to-empty hopper.
The FANUC M-20iA performing all the part handling tasks in the cell is a compact robot with a slim wrist and small footprint for operation in tight spaces. It can be mounted on the floor, wall, or ceiling. It has a reach of 71" (1,811 mm) and full circular motion. Cabling, air tubes and valves are enclosed in the dustproof and waterproof robot arm, and vision and force sensors are available to tailor the robot to specific applications.
For more information contact:
AccuteX EDM
A Division of Absolute Machine Tools
7944 Innovation Way
Mason, OH 45040
513-701-5550
sales@accutexedm.com
www.accutexedm.com
IMTS 2014 Booth E-5225