High Performance, High Productivity Wire EDM for Medical Machining

The AgieCharmilles CUT E (efficiency) 350 wire EDM from GF Machining Solutions (Lincolnshire, IL) provides high performance and high productivity to help medical manufacturers increase their flexibility and accelerate their time to market. CUT E Series machines have large touchscreen human­ machine interfaces (HMI) that are intuitive in operation and feature onboard Intelligent Collision Protection, built-in machining strategies and flexible job management. Information about geometries, machining processes and command programs are processed in a single file, allowing jobs to be transferred among different machines within the CUT E Series. The machines then automatically manage all necessary modifications.

More than ten automated measurement cycles are available to assist with workpiece preparation. The onboard AC CAM Easy system allows the operator to prepare ISO files and post-process them into a job during machining. The CUT E Series features the modern Intelligent Power Generator (IPG) to further improve cutting speed, precision and surface quality. The machine can use dedicated wire for decreased part cost and increased throughput, and the POWER-EXPERT module automatically determines the optimal power to send through the wire, which is especially beneficial in stepped medical parts. The Corner Strategy module automatically adjusts parameters during changes in direction to produce sharp angels and small radii. These features combine to reduce cutting times by up to 18 percent as compared to standard machines.

CUT E Series machines feature compact, space-saving stacked-axis designs as well as “wet bases” that incorporate the dielectric tanks within them – all of which significantly boost rigidity and cutting accuracy. Drop doors provide easy, convenient access to worktables, and side-by-side filters are easily accessible to speed and simplify maintenance. Integrated glass scales preserve long-term, repeatable accuracy, require no recalibration and eliminate errors found in traditional screw systems due to backlash and wear. The CUT E 350 allows use of an optional large, 25 kg spool to facilitate greater levels of automation and unmanned machining. It also features a reliable wire circuit system for perfect unrolling that does not disrupt the EDM process.

GF Machining Solutions, 560 Bond Street, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224, 800-282-1336, Fax: 847-913-5340, gisbert.ledvon@georgfischer.com, www.gfms.com/us.