Wire EDM for workshop and training establishments

Citation

(2006), "Wire EDM for workshop and training establishments", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778dab.002

Wire EDM for workshop and training establishments

Wire EDM for workshop and training establishments

Keywords: Training, Aircraft components

Incorporating most of the high technology features of the Fanuc Robocut Alpha O/C wire electro-discharge machine, 600 Centre of Shepshed near Loughborough is introducing a low-cost £50,000 machine to the market that is it believes ideal for workshop and training type establishments.

The Fanuc O/Ce incorporates the machine builder's latest Nano Interpolation, Al pulse control, non-electrolysis AC cutting and Al active corner control. The machine has a maximum capacity of 650 mm × 450 mm × 180 mm with table travels of 320 mm × 220 mm and an up to 500 kg loading.

With these features, cycles can be performed making use of the ultra-fine pitch of 0.001 mm and high speed cutting rates up to 330 m²min^-1 using the more economical 0.3 mm brass wire. Roundness levels within 1.2 μ can be held on a 30 mm diameter hole, for example, and surface finishes of 0.7 μm can be maintained.

Al pulse control enables precise monitoring of the number of pulses applied to the process thus optimising the energy density and discharge gap between wire and workpiece during the cutting process. Smoother feed rates are achieved through the incorporation of Nano Interpolation software that distributes positioning commands from the Fanuc 180/s-WB control with a pitch of 0.001 mm (1 nm) to the ultra- high resolution axis servomotors.

Meanwhile, Al active corner control will pre-empt a change in either roughing or finishing cutting paths and removes any slack from the wire feed system.

Details available from: 600 Centre, Gelders Hall Road. Tel: +44 (0) 1509 600600; E-mail: cnctools@600centre.co.uk; web site: www.600centre.co.uk