Betterbrass, the next-generation brass alloy wire launched recently in the UK by Erodex, has helped users to increase cutting speed by up to 10% in early trials. Manufactured in Germany by Bedra (Berkenhoff), Betterbrass benefits from novel alloy and casting technology, along with a specially developed annealing process. The wire is plug-and-play on all machine types.

“Since its launch, the Betterbrass wire range has received a positive response from customer trials, meaning that we can now provide EDM subcontractors with a cost-effective step up from standard brass wire,” explains Josh Bye, sales engineer at Erodex UK. “As UK industry starts to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were keen to introduce a cost-effective wire to the market that facilitates increased performance. Customers will save money by using the wire, as any increase in wire speed ultimately means less wire consumption.”

Luke Hobbs, director of HLP Engineering Solutions in Halesowen, has experienced first-hand the benefits of using both the Gapstar and Betterbrass ranges from Erodex.

“Simply put, Gapstar is the best wire we have ever used on our Sodick machines from a performance and speed perspective,” he says. “We find it ideal for cutting punches and other long-running jobs. However, we found that Betterbrass is excellent on threading and, for the small increase in the cost of the wire, offers decent speed improvement of around 10-12% over standard brass wire using the same settings. When the job dictates, we will certainly use this wire again.”

For further information
www.erodex.com

GF Machining Solutions says that its new Automatic Slug Management (ASM) makes true uninterrupted and unmanned wire EDM operations a reality.

Left to their own devices, slugs will fall on to the lower head of an EDM machine. This effect can cause a crash or trigger alerts that cause the machine to stop. To aid prevention, CAM programs include ‘tabs’ to keep the slug connected to the workpiece during machining operations. Once completed, operators remove the tabs and slugs, but such manual intervention prevents true unmanned operation. At best, manufacturers can achieve rough cutting of parts overnight, but will need to wait until operators are available to remove the slugs and run trim and finishing passes.

With ASM, manufacturers can machine parts (roughing and finishing) overnight, and the technology is particularly suited to die-stamping applications and other small cavity operations. The process begins with a complete roughing pass that leaves no welds or tabs but sees the machine’s lower head prevent the slug falling into the tank while a device retrofitted to the upper head descends; this blows high-pressure air over the slug, which creates suction and allows the slug to be pulled from the part and deposited away from the machine.

Although ASM is slower than the manual alternative, the fact that it requires no human intervention means that manufacturers can load up machines at night with raw material and return the next morning to completed components.

For further information
www.gfms.com