For all that the new Vollmer QS 860 and QSF 860 disc erosion machines may look the same and have virtually identical construction, they do in fact have some key differences. One twin sharpens the free surfaces of PCD circular saws, while the other sharpens the flank-free surfaces.

Intuitive control, integrated measuring equipment and handling systems ensure automated machining, while digitalisation by means of standard IoT gateway, data entry station and DCN operation optimise the erosion processes for the production and maintenance of PCD circular saws.

With its hardness rating of 10, diamond really is the king of machining. Circular saws tipped with PCD achieve long operating lives in metal and even highly abrasive composite material machining. To ensure that PCD circular saws retain their sharpness, Vollmer launched two new disc erosion machines.

With the QS 860 and QSF 860 twins, saw manufacturers can produce their PCD circular saws with different geometries and diameters from 80 to 860 mm. It is also possible to resharpen existing PCD circular saws. Vollmer’s ND handling systems, which automatically load up to three machines – with up to 650 PCD circular saw blades depending on the model and specification – ensure unmanned machining around the clock.

Both machines have a robust design, complete CNC control and measuring equipment for fully automated set-up and work processes. They have measuring sensors that record all relevant parameters and deliver precise 3D measurement accuracy. The sensors detect newly inserted teeth and sharpen these to size, while the feed pawls automatically detect broken teeth and determine the tooth pitches so that manual adjustment is unnecessary.

Thanks to Vollmer’s tried-and-tested operation, users can control and programme the QS 860 and QSF 860 via touchscreen or keypad. More information www.vollmer-group.com

GF Machining Solutions says its new CUT F 600 is a thermally-stable wire EDM machine that automatically identifies and adapts wire speed during the cutting performance, leading to improved productivity and process reliability.

The CUT F 600 wire EDM is designed to balance precision with productivity for accurate machining and high surface finishes. Designed for ease of use and flexibility, the machine features the UNIQUA control, ISPS (Intelligent Spark Protection System) and iWire intelligent functions and the radio frequency identification (RFID) Smart Wire system. It also offers design improvements for thermal stabilisation, vibration control and precise machine movements.

The iWire function automatically identifies and adapts wire speed to changing erosion height conditions during the wire EDM process. According to the company, this capability eliminates wire breakage while reducing overall wire consumption per job. The iWire function works in tandem with the company’s ISPS, both of which are accessed via the Uniqua control.

Additionally, iWire not only recognises exactly where sparks are occurring during the wire EDM process but also measures and identifies the position of each spark along the length of the wire. Knowing the exact location of a spark enables iWire to adapt the wire spool speed automatically.

For precise machine movements, vibration control and overall process stability, CUT F series machines provide use the work tank and dielectric fluid to cool the machine’s axis optical encoders. A further design innovation is the incorporation of higher accuracy machine ball screws that improve both positioning accuracy and smooth operation.

The CUT F 600’s Uniqua HMI features a 19″ vertical touchscreen, full keyboard and mouse.

More information www.gfms.com

The new Erowa Robot Compact 150 features a wide range of functions and a transfer weight of up to 150 kg. This new automation solution is suitable for the flexible loading of up to two production machines for all processing technologies – from eroding to milling. Thanks to its design, the loader offers high magazine density within a small footprint. 

An autonomous and flexible production cell, the Erowa Robot Compact 150 loads a die-sinking EDM machine with little space requirement. The two independent drives of the X axis enable long reach and minimal interfering contour to the machine.

It is even possible to load large Erowa MTS 400 pallets with a transfer weight of up to 150 kg and a workpiece height up to 400 mm on to the EDM machine. Over 500 Erowa pallets with different system sizes can be stored in the magazines, with magazine levels set up exactly as required.

An optional loading station can be integrated to save space. It enables large and heavy workpieces (UPC and MTS pallets) to be set up at an ergonomic height while the robot is working. An indexing system (4 x 90°) prevents the pallet from engaging in the wrong position and locks it automatically upon engagement.

Notably, the Erowa EWIS chip identification system (option) is based on RFID technology. It enables the unique identification of pallets and electrode holders fitted with EWIS chips in the robot magazine.

Regarding process control, the Erowa JMS 4.0 connects all data and oversees the entire production process. Due to the automated data flow and real-time monitoring of production processes, JMS 4.0 provides the basis for a seamless workflow, reports the company.

More information www.erowa.com