Even with its precision and high-quality results, EDM can – and often does – come with its problems. Until recently, solutions to such issues have been difficult to come by. However, with the help of magnetic technology, many problems can be overcome, increasing machine efficiency significantly.

Properly filtered dielectric fluid is instrumental in producing highly accurate and high-quality machined parts, and is essential for transferring the charge during the process, flushing particles out of the gap between the workpiece to prevent them from forming bridges that cause a short circuit.

By using a magnetic filter in conjunction with the traditional paper barrier filter, fluids benefit from the highest level of protection. Using a paper filter alone can allow particles smaller than the pore of the filter to flow through, leaving the fluid susceptible to secondary sparking. By introducing magnetic technology, it is possible to quickly and safely remove these particles, ensuring the removal of virtually all contamination.

The Micromag magnetic filter, designed and manufactured by Eclipse Magnetics, provides a way of solving many problems that occur during the EDM process. Its high-intensity collection capabilities, coupled with its high-strength magnetic core and an optimised fluid flow orientation, work to remove almost all ferrous particles from the dielectric fluid. Cleaner fluids lead to marked improvements in secondary sparking, significantly less wire breakages, increased machine productivity and longer tool life.

According to Eclipse Magnetics, Micromag provides a rapid return on investment – often within just weeks – and, with its easy-clean design, the collected swarf can be quickly and efficiently disposed of and recycled, reducing the need for high-cost consumables.

For further information
www.eclipsemagnetics.com

To eliminate the cost and lead times associated with outsourcing its wire eroding requirements, Worcestershire-based Styles Precision has invested in a new Sodick ALC600G from Sodi-Tech EDM. This bold investment is also helping to attract more work from both existing and new customers as the company looks to continue its growth over the next five years.

“We tend to buy high-end machine tools, an ethos that we’ve transferred to our first wire EDM, a Sodick ALC600G, which we bought with the help of a successful grant application via the RDPE Growth Programme,” explains the company’s managing director Tony Styles. “Investing in top-end machines helps us to attract high-value work, often in energy and power-related sectors such as steam turbine, renewables and oil and gas.”

Styles Precision previously subcontracted its wire EDM requirements, maybe not enough to consider buying a machine, but the company knew there would be additional opportunities if it could offer wire EDM in-house. Therefore, the company concluded that investing in the Sodick ALC600G would be a logical and exciting step forward.

“We’ve already been busy wiring many different parts, including special profile gauges,” says Styles. “Recently, we won a tender to manufacture a family of intricate, high-value steam turbine wear parts, which have a particular profile in the bore. We use profile gauges as an initial check of the labyrinth’s profile form during machining operations. In addition, the labyrinths are themselves split into numerous segments: we have around 240 specific segments to wire from machined rings measuring between 300 and 600 mm in diameter.

“We have some fascinating projects on the go at present, so the ALC600G will make a big contribution to the ongoing success of our business, particularly as we will soon be running it lights-out,” he concludes.

For further information
www.sodi-techedm.co.uk

The Engineering Technology Group (ETG) has introduced a new addition to the Gantry Eagle series of die -sink EDM machines with the arrival of the Eagle G50 and G80 Competition from OPS Ingersoll. OPS Ingersoll has taken the ergonomics and bridge design of the Gantry Eagle platform and combined it with the generator and programming of the G5 Precision.

With the new Eagle G50 and G80 gantry concept, featuring three open sides and a programable rise and fall four-sided tank that arrives full of dielectric, OPS Ingersoll says it is introducing a production technology with astounding electrode usage – even in graphite to VDI 8.

In developing the Eagle G50 and G80, the aim was to create a machine capable of delivering the highest surface finish capability and remove many of the known issues in graphite usage. The Eagle G50 and G80 now provide multi-cavity, low-wear machining that OPS Ingersoll says was not available in this class of machine until now.

From a specification perspective, the Eagle G50 has a 750 x 650 mm table with work tank dimensions of 770 x 670 x 440 mm and a dielectric level height of 450 mm. Within this envelope, the new machine offers 525 x 400 x 450 mm of travel with a distance from the head to the table ranging from 135 to 585 mm. OPS Ingersoll says that no other machine can offer this amount of useable volume within these movements, allowing the machining of small and larger workpieces from one reference.

The G80 has a work tank of 800 x 1100 mm and maintains the same useable field philosophy as the G50.

OPS Ingersoll’s G50 and G80 Competition both incorporate the new Eagle Powerspark One control system and Eagle Powerspark Editor (PSE) programming software.

For further information
www.engtechgroup.com

When it comes to single or multi-hole high-speed EDM drilling, the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) says it is breaking the boundaries of convention with the introduction of the Winbro HSD6-III high-speed EDM drilling system.

Designed and manufactured in the UK by the Winbro Technologies Group, the HSD6-III high-speed EDM system is said to offer industry-leading performance while maintaining stringent metallurgical requirements that are commonplace in the aerospace and IGT markets. Winbro’s HSD6-III is for the machining of cooling holes, forms and features in turbine blades, nozzle guide vanes, seal segments and other components that require high-speed EDM drilling. The machine is capable of producing round, elliptical and 2D/3D shaped diffusers.

Offering production rates up to five times faster than conventional EDM machines, the Winbro HSD6-III is suitable for processing round holes from 0.3 to 3 mm diameter with a maximum depth up to 100 mm. Precision is assured with Winbro’s advanced and patented six-point probing system.

The work envelope of the Winbro HSD6-III offers an X, Y and Z axis of 200 x 200 x 250 mm that can accommodate workpieces up to 225 x 225 x 225 mm. In addition, the rotary A axis of ±185°, B axis of 135° +100° and a rotary C axis of ±8° enables component interpolation for complete five-sided part processing in a single set-up.

The tooling configuration of the Winbro HSD6-III is flexible to suit the demands of the end-user with the choice of a single-point rotational or static electrode for non-line-of-sight, or (for high-productivity environments) a multi-tool option with up to 45 sensed electrodes.

For further information
www.engtechgroup.com

Chesterfield-based manufacturer CBE+ has recently acquired new machinery and team members from aerospace industry leader Aerodyn. The investment comprises three EDM machines – a Mitsubishi MV2400S and two Mitsubishi FX20 – along with a team of two operators. These machines will add new wire EDM capabilities that complement CBE+’s existing range of CNC milling and turning services. CBE+ will use the machines to create tapers, small radii, complex contours and surface finishes within tolerances of just a few microns, either as a stand-alone subcontract offering or as part of supply-complete projects.

The machines, owned previously by Aerodyn, have been programmed and operated by two technical engineers. Ensuring a comfortable transition for these experienced and knowledgeable employees has been a key priority, as they move from Aerodyn to CBE+.

Operations director Lindsay Atkins says: “These machines increase our core capabilities and add to our existing offering, which revolves around precision engineering, electroless nickel plating, gear manufacture and metal testing. We can provide any of our services independently or combine multiple capabilities to create tailored, integrated supply chain solutions. The new employees are vital to the success of this new investment and I’m pleased to see them settle in so quickly.”

Fabio Cosenza, business development manager, adds: “This acquisition comes with a long-standing portfolio of customers, many in the aerospace sector, a target market for CBE+. Enhancing the existing relationships being transferred from Aerodyn is key and will be pivotal in supporting and raising the profile of our business, and allowing us to showcase our multiple capabilities.”

For further information
www.cbeplus.com