Wire EDM Does Extreme Taper Angles on Expanded Z Height
AQ Series machines from Sodick are ideal for automotive molds and dies, aerospace and energy applications on parts such as turbine hubs, aerofoil vanes, instrument panels and bumpers.
Posted: July 17, 2013
These large machines are ideal for automotive molds and dies, aerospace and energy applications on parts such as turbine hubs, aerofoil vanes, instrument panels and bumpers.
The AQ Series line of Wire EDMs is Sodick Inc.’s (Rockaway, NJ) largest. The AQ750LH and the AQ1200LH are taking the largest Wire EDMs to new heights with an expanded Z height. Following in the quality and precision of the company’s culture, all AQ models have linear motor drive technology as standard and are provided with a 10-Year Positioning Accuracy Guarantee.
The AQ Series was initially created in response to the growing demand for large capacity Wire EDMs featuring extreme taper capability. The models are often ideally suited for automotive molds and dies, aerospace and energy applications, including parts such as turbine hubs, aerofoil vanes, instrument panels and bumpers.
Additional standard features include an L-Cut Wire Chopper, High Speed Generator, Low Maintenance Tank Seal, Multi-Filtration System, Wire Jumbo Feeder, Super Jet AWT and Vertical Sliding Tank Door. The X, Y travel on this machine is 29.53 in x 16.68 in.
The AQ1200LH, which also features a 24 in Z axis, has an X, Y travel of 47.24 in x 31.50 in.
The AQ models provide industry unique UV axis travels which allow extreme taper angles (up to 45 deg) to be machined to the full Z capacity of the model. As the UV travels are larger than the XY movements, tapering can even be performed beyond the normal XY travels of the machine.
The control incorporates collision protection to prevent against operator error. This technology constantly monitors voltage in the axes drives. When voltage exceeds a pre-determined load, the machine will stop and give the operator an error message.
With a linear motor drive system; there is no mechanical connection between the linear motor drives and the table; unlike ballscrew drives, which can incur costly repairs in the event of a collision. The control also features automatic machining condition selection.
This is a database within the machine that contains details on the best conditions for a particular wire diameter, workpiece material or workpiece thickness and ensures the best possible machining results. The operator can make use of the extensive conditions provided by Sodick or add their own conditions to suit unusual applications.
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