Turbo Tech cutting technology, a standard option on new AgieCharmilles wire EDM machines from GF Machining Solutions (now United Grinding), is said to deliver faster processing speeds with no compromise on quality (part accuracy and surface finish). In a recent benchmark test cut conducted by GFMS engineers, Turbo Tech cutting technology was pitted against the company’s ‘Speed Tech’ cutting technology in a timed trial – the objective being to find out which would deliver the fastest processing speeds.

The cutting process undertaken involved two CUT P 350 Pro wire EDM machines, simultaneously machining an identical punch die component using AC Brass 900 wire (0.25 mm diameter). The punches were both cut from 30 mm thick steel, and the requirement was to achieve a 0.45 µm surface finish.

With the first CUT P 350 Pro, the ‘Speed Tech’ setting was selected from the machine’s UNIQUA iHMI control, with the ‘Turbo Tech’ setting deployed on the second. The cutting process, involving a main cut followed by three trim cuts, was timed for each, with the part being machined using Turbo Tech taking 30 minutes to complete as opposed to 38 minutes with Speed Tech.

Says Martin Spencer, GFMS UK managing director: “In this relatively straightforward test, the processing speed of the part being machined using Turbo Tech was 21% faster. For more complex parts this can be increased to over 40%, demonstrating that Turbo Tech delivers increased productivity and improved accuracies, whatever the flushing conditions and irrespective of the wire in use.”

More information www.gfms.com