Innovative EDM Technologies

With the high demands of today’s market for the latest innovative technology, Sodick, Inc. (Schaumburg, IL) is continuously working on R&D for new machines that are faster, more accurate and achieve a greater surface finish. The most recent machine to be added to their line-up is the VZ500LH that originated from the highly successful VZ Series, cost-friendly wire EDM machines that use rigid linear motor drive technology as standard and are provided with a 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee. The VZ500LH was created in response to the growing demand for large capacity wire EDM machines featuring extreme height capability.  This type of machine is often ideally suited for mold and die, aerospace and energy applications, including parts such as turbine hubs, aerofoil vanes, instrument panels and mold cores.

The VZ500LH features a 17.2 in Z-axis cutting capacity. Additional standard features include a Super-Jet AWT (High Speed Automatic Wire Threader), wire-tip disposal unit, anti-electrolysis circuit and dielectric cooling unit (chiller). The control incorporates collision protection to prevent against operator error. This technology constantly monitors axis load. When voltage exceeds a pre-determined limit, the machine will stop and give the operator an error message. With the rigid linear motor drive system, there is no mechanical connection between the rigid 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 utilize the extensive conditions provided by Sodick or add their own conditions to suit unusual applications.

Sodick also offers the SLN-G Series wire EDM that is designed with the operator in mind. These machines include a user-friendly control that can be used in classic mode or be switched to tablet mode enabling the operator to manipulate the control in the way that is most comfortable to them. The SLN-G Series is a high-performance, rigid linear motor driven machine that includes many standard features, such as SPW (Smart Pulse Wire) control with the smart Pulse Generator and technologies that improve cutting speed and precision. There are two available models within the series: the SLN400G has a X, Y, Z travel of 15.75 in x 11.81 in x 9.84 in (400 mm x 300 mm x 250 mm) and the SLN600G with a X, Y, Z travel of 23.62 in x 15.75 in x 13.78 in (600 mm x 400 mm x 350 mm). Both machines include the revolutionary 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee that promises the positioning accuracy of your linear motors for ten years.

Sodick also offers all-new AD Series Sinker EDM machines that are built to meet customers’ needs for cost-friendly sinker EDM machines. The series includes the AD35L and the AD55L high-performance sinker EDM machines that are linear motor driven and feature the latest no-flush EDM technology, user-friendly control and zero-electrode wear combined with increased machining speed. These latest EDM technology advancements ensure higher manufacturing efficiency, drastic cost reduction and shortened delivery time. Both models include exclusive rigid linear motor drive technology that enables not only high-speed, high-precision EDM, but also maintenance-free operations. With this technology, high levels of initial machining accuracy can be maintained for a long period. This unique reliability is why Sodick provides a 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee.

The machines use a full-frame, floor-standing bed design. Heavily ribbed, high-strength Meehanite castings are used for the bed, table and column construction. The rigid construction ensures long-lasting accuracy. A unique zero electrode wear technology is standard on all of these sinker EDM machines that allows for the EDM machining of steel materials with virtually zero electrode wear when using graphite or copper electrodes. Less electrode wear results in fewer electrodes, saving on production costs. In some cases, only one electrode is necessary. The ability to minimize wear is made possible by advanced control technology that stabilizes the use of extremely high discharge ON times to reduce the amount of times the discharge is started and extinguished. In the past, control technology was not this advanced, and the use of high discharge ON time resulted in an unstable EDM machining environment, which caused poor productivity.  Today, however, thanks to SGF technology, the application of high discharge ON time can be stabilized, producing virtually zero electrode wear.

The AD35L Sinker EDM machine has an X, Y, Z travel of 13.78 in x 9.84 in x 10.63 in (350 mm x 250 mm x 270 mm) and can accommodate a workpiece weight up to 1,212 lb (550 kg). The AD55L has an X, Y, Z travel of 23.62 in x 15.75 in x 15.75 in (600 mm x 400 mm x 400 mm) and can accommodate a workpiece weight of up to 2,204 lb (1,000 kg).

Sodick, Inc., 1605 North Penny Lane, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 847-310-9000, iflorence@sodick.com, www.sodick.com.