Erodex Group has announced the 100% acquisition of Toolmaker Supplies Ltd (TMS) in a move that further strengthens its offer in EDM wire, wear parts and consumables. Founded in 2002, TMS was an independent stockist and supplier of wire EDM spare parts and consumables in the UK.

The business is now trading under the Erodex brand and operating from the Erodex UK headquarters in Halesowen. Several sales personnel from TMS have joined the Erodex team and will continue to support TMS customers with their EDM product requirements.

Erodex Group says the move makes it the UK’s largest distributor of brass and coated EDM wires, as well as the largest distributor of wear parts for all EDM machine brands.

Erodex has enjoyed a strong working relationship with manufacturer Bedra (Berkenhoff) for many years, introducing many next-generation coated wire products to the UK under exclusive agreements. Erodex engineers work closely with customers to ensure the delivery of optimum performance.

Erodex director Steve Rolinson says: “Erodex are delighted to have acquired TMS to further strengthen our position as market leader in the UK for EDM wire, wear parts and consumables. Like Erodex, TMS had developed a strong reputation over many years for the quality of its service and breadth of product range servicing the EDM industry. This level of synergy with our core values ensured that acquiring the trade and assets of the company made complete sense and has ensured for a swift integration.”

For further information
www.erodex.com

GF Machining Solutions has recently introduced four features to its latest generation of wire EDM machines: Intelligent Spark Protection System (ISPS) for monitoring spark distribution along the wire; iWire to optimise and reduce wire consumption; Uniqua, the company’s new HMI for EDM machines; and TurboTech, new standard technology that is faster than the existing speed technology on its wire-cutting EDM machines.

Essentially, the new ISPS module analyses sparks and clearly defines their concentration. As a consequence, it is possible to adjust machine parameters accordingly (in real time) to prevent wire breakage and maintain optimal cutting speed. The process is automatic and effective, especially when experiencing difficult cutting conditions and, as a result, users can eliminate machine downtime and process interruptions.

iWire is a sustainable, intelligent process that helps to optimise and reduce wire consumption. As an adaptive software module, iWire comes into its own when individual workpieces ready for machining present big variations in height or when the upper and lower heads cannot be placed close to the surface of the workpiece. The module helps reduce wire consumption rates by up to 40%, as well as wire costs.

According to GFMS, the Uniqua HMI is powerful and intuitive, helping customers to improve their productivity, determine and re-order their machining priorities and ultimately get the most from their wire EDM machines. Uniqua adapts to the customer’s way of working. Integrated on-board help and tutorials are always available, making it easy to use, not only for operators accustomed to ISO programming, but also for relative novices.

TurboTech offers an excellent speed-accuracy compromise in good or bad flushing conditions, is available for all wire types, and is fully integrated in Uniqua or AC Cut 2 interfaces.

For further information
www.gfms.com

Cutting tool manufacturers have always had the inconvenience of producing solid carbide and PCD cutting tools on two separate machines. Now, however, Vollmer has eradicated this issue with its flexible new VHybrid 260 solution that can grind carbide tools and erode PCD tools on a single platform.

Importantly, the VHybrid 260 allows users to switch between grinding and erosion processes in next to no time. Utilising Vollmer’s multi-layered machining technology, the vertical alignment of two spindles is a novel arrangement that allows the grinding and electrode wheelsets to pivot the C axis precisely, ensuring operators always achieve optimal results. If the tool requires both grinding and erosion, the VHybrid 260 can create one complete and efficient machining process for all tool production requirements.

The multi-layered spindle configuration allows the grinding of carbide tools with diameters of up to 150 mm on the top spindle, whereas the bottom spindle can accommodate both grinding and erosion. This design enables the machining of carbide or PCD tools up to a diameter of 150 mm thanks to the high-performance and finely tuned Vpulse EDM erosion generator. The generator delivers surface finishes to roughness of 0.1 μRa, while electrode calibration and wear control combines with a dressing device to provide fully automated processing.

Vollmer says that quality is built into every facet of the VHybrid 260, demonstrated by the company’s ‘wall concept’, which provides high rigidity and vibration damping through its concrete polymer foundation. This is complemented by spindle and motor cooling technology that creates thermal stability, while the vertical spindle configuration eradicates issues related to fixing and floating bearings.

For further information
www.vollmer-group.com