GF Machining Solutions will showcase several new high-performance machining solutions at SOUTH-TEC. "Visitors will experience the productive AgieCharmilles CUT P 350 wire electrical discharge machine (EDM), versatile 5-axis Mikron MILL E 500U, compact AgieCharmilles FORM E 350 die sinker EDM and ultra-fast Microlution ML-5 laser micro machining platform - all of which will give today's shops a solid competitive advantage," said a company spokesperson.
The CUT P 350 will represent GF Machining Solutions' AgieCharmilles CUT P Series of wire EDMs that provides users extremely precise positioning and contouring capabilities for enhanced part quality and productivity. The CUT P 350/550/800/1250 machines feature highly 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, CUT P Series machines deliver surface finishes as smooth as Ra 0.08 µm and boost cutting speeds by up to 20%. Several EXPERT systems - POWER-EXPERT, SURFACEEXPERT, WIRE-EXPERT, PROFIL-EXPERT and TAPER-EXPERT - enhance control of various aspects of the EDM process to further improve cutting speed, precision and surface quality, especially for challenging applications in the electronics, automotive, medical and mold and die industries.
The high-speed, 5-axis Mikron MILL E 500U machining center is one in a series of MILL E machines that feature the capability to swivel from a range of -120° to +60°, and accommodate loads up to 992 lbs. (450 kg) to allow shops to machine a wide range of parts. Rigid, stable C-frame cast iron machine construction reduces vibrations to deliver precision and repeatability, while large guideways, double side-supported rotary tables and optimized chip evacuation enhance reliability and part quality.
The machine's powerful 20,000 RPM Step-Tec spindle tackles both rough milling and drilling operations. The MILL E Series increases metal removal rates by 20% over the previous generation HEM U machine range - for the potential to reduce overall manufacturing costs by up to 15%.
"The new compact FORM E 350 die sinker EDM has the smallest footprint on today's market, yet still boasts several big design and performance enhancing features," said the spokesperson. "The machine's C-axis construction, cross table and cast-iron frame offer high stability and force reduction, which helps maintain a precise spark gap between the part and the electrode. The machine's latest-generation Intelligent Speed Power Generator (ISPG) excels at superior surface finishes and precision applications in any conductive material. It also improves machining speeds by 40% and reduces corner wear by 50%."
The FORM E 350 is automation ready. At the event, it will be paired with a System 3R WorkPartner 1+ robot to demonstrate the easy implementation of unattended night and weekend operations.
"Also on display will be GF Machining Solution's Microlution ML-5 ultrafast laser micro machining platform, the first industrial-grade femtosecond laser platform capable of machining minute features with micron-level accuracy and repeatability in a 24/7 manufacturing environments," said the spokesperson. ML-5's ultrafast lasers machine without creating a heat affected zone (HAZ), which makes them capable of achieving tolerances otherwise impossible for other thermal machining processes. The absence of thermal damage also eliminates post-processing in many applications to further reduce overall part cycle times.
"The ML-5 has been widely adopted for several critical applications in automotive, medical and consumer product manufacturing, including drilling automotive fuel injectors nozzles, machining medical catheter tips, cutting the hardened glass used by mobile device displays and machining intricate watch gears," said the spokesperson.
For more information contact:
GF Machining Solutions LLC
560 Bond St.
Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224
847-913-5300
www.gfms.com/us
SOUTH-TEC Booth 1029