EDMs: High Cutting Precision and High-quality Finishes
With EDMs your shop benefits from high precision cutting on components that can be difficult to manufacture.
Posted: April 29, 2024
Advances in technology analyze spark characteristics in real time, adjusting settings for optimal pulse performance, which results in wear-free spark erosion and numerous other advantages.
Die-sinking EDM Features Numerous Advancements
The precision-enhancing AgieCharmilles FORM P 350 die-sinking EDM from GF Machining Solutions (Lincolnshire, IL) features overall design and integrated technologies for exceptional productivity and unequalled part quality. GF Machining Solutions’ high-end, Intelligent Power Generator (IPG) drives the machine with one of the world’s most powerful generators for die-sinking EDMs.
GF Machining Solutions equips the FORM P 350 with numerous high-tech advancements. The embedded TECFORM module optimizes the EDM process with each pulse for significantly reduced electrode wear and the finest part finishes. Segment-dedicated technology eliminates the need to adjust the generator’s parameters, and spark process control takes a fraction of a second to produce extremely homogeneous surface finishes. The combination of these features yields greater reliability, improved machining efficiency and significantly shorter nonburn times.
The FORM P 350 uses GF Machining Solutions’ groundbreaking iQ (innovation + quality) technologies to control the erosion of graphite and/or copper electrodes for highly effective cost reductions. These fast, efficient electronics analyze spark characteristics in real time and adjust the current setting as needed for absolute pulse efficiency. This ensures wear-free spark erosion, high precision, extremely efficient performance, unparalleled respect for detail and greater control of electrode cost.
For interactive graphical assistance on all operations, including measurement and machining cycles, the FORM P 350 includes the user-friendly AC FORM HMI (human machine interface) based on a standard Windows® 10 platform.
Regardless of part weight or dielectric volume, the FORM P 350 delivers consistent accuracy and surface finishes as fine as Ra 0.1 µm. Integrated glass scales preserve long-term repeatability while they eliminate the need for recalibration and the backlash and wear that cause errors in traditional screw systems.
A compact C axis, fixed table and cast iron frame offer high stability and force reduction to help maintain a precise spark gap between part and electrode. With X/Y/Z axis travels of 17.8″-x-9.8″-x-11.8″ (350 mm-x-250 mm-x-300 mm), the FORM P 350 enables shops to machine workpieces up to 27.6″-x-18.1″-x- 10.8″ (700 mm-x-460 mm-x-275 mm) with efficiency and accuracy.
Guill Offers Medical Machining and Fabricating Manufacturing Services
For more than 55 years, Guill Tool & Engineering (West Warwick, RI) has been providing tooling for the aerospace, extrusion, medical, consumer and commercial, defense, wind, oil and energy industries. Due to its years of experience, the company has a highly skilled team of expert machinists and engineers trained in the latest CAD, CAM, CFD and FEA programs. Besides being experts in extrusion tooling, Guill is a major industrial manufacturer who can provide customers with one-stop shopping for their tooling and other select machine shop needs.
The Guill high quality standards are evidenced by the company’s many certifications, including ISO 9001:2015. Defense certifications include AS9100:2016, MIL-I-45208A, MIL-STD-45662A, JCP Certified, ITAR Registered, NIST SP800-171 and others.
As part of this new medical machining program, Guill offers 5-axis machining centers, high precision machining, and full wire EDM capabilities with a .008” hole popper. Guill machines super alloys and exotic metals to close tolerances.
Guill’s wire EDM eliminates the force put on part surfaces. This protects intricate and fragile tooling, as well as providing higher tolerances and accuracy plus superior surface finishes. Machining capabilities range from small hole machining, .008” in diameter, to machining material measuring up to 15” in all axes.
