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

At the EMO Milano 2021 exhibition earlier this month, GF Machining Solutions highlighted EDM technologies designed to help manufacturers increase productivity and accuracy.

The show marked the unveiling of the new AgieCharmilles CUT P Pro series of wire EDM machines that are designed for increased productivity. Included in the series is the CUT P 350 Pro, 550 Pro and 800 Pro with robust designs and an intuitive HMI, as well as several automation options for lights-out operation.

At EMO Milano, GF Machining Solutions also announced the AgieCharmilles CUT X series of wire EDM machines, featuring new technologies that significantly increase operating precision. This new range, which includes the CUT X 350 and CUT X 500, is capable of offering extreme pitch positioning and contouring capabilities for high part quality, says the company.

For mould makers in microelectronics, telecommunications, medical technology, connectors and optical systems, GF Machining Solutions demonstrated its AgieCharmilles FORM X 600 die-sinking EDM at EMO. The machine delivers positioning accuracy within 1 μm, and general machining accuracy on the workpiece down to 5 μm, combining speed and precision.

The new Uniqua HMI, available for the CUT P Pro and the CUT X series, capitalises on more than a century of EDM technology, with optimal functionality and ergonomics in a 19-inch vertical touchscreen, full keyboard and mouse. It is suitable for every skill level, every approach and every user, reports GF Machining Solutions.

For the utmost compatibility, Uniqua supports legacy file types from various EDM manufacturers. The HMI also creates, imports, modifies and executes sequential (ISO-based) and object-oriented (dynamic) programs from previous versions of VISION and AC CUT. With offline and at-the-machine programming, ISO-based functionality and object-oriented programming, Uniqua provides a comprehensive graphic tool with integrated CAM, while ensuring compatibility with major CADCAM programs.

For further information www.gfms.com

With up to 30% of its machined components manufactured from hard metals, Longford, Ireland-based N&E Precision acknowledged a requirement for EDM technology to complement its extensive CNC machine shop facilities. In September 2019, the subcontract manufacturer invested in its first Mitsubishi wire EDM machine and, such was its success that the company has now purchased a second Mitsubishi machine from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

Discussing the arrival of the first Mitsubishi wire EDM machine, N&E Precision joint managing director Noel Farrell recalls: “As a first-time EDM user, ETG’s Scot Elsemere was a major factor in our decision process. He provided expert advice, demonstrations and feedback. The technology and new software interface with the Mitsubishi MV2400R were also huge factors, but our decision was sealed by a number of recommendations from trusted contacts in the industry.”

With the company outsourcing a considerable amount of work, the Mitsubishi MV2400R immediately stemmed the flow.

“Our lead times for many components fell from weeks to 2-4 days, with some parts turned around in less than 24 hours,” says Farrell. “This wouldn’t have been possible with an external subcontract supplier involved.”

With the first Mitsubishi MV2400R making such an impact, the company invested in a second machine, a Mitsubishi MV1200R.
“The two Mitsubishi machines have added greater flexibility to our business,” states Farrell. “Some parts have tight tolerance bores and, instead of machining, we can put them on the EDM machines and achieve tolerances better than ±5 µm with excellent surface finishes.”

From a productivity standpoint, the Mitsubishi MV1200R and MV2400R are running across the company’s two-shift pattern, with many jobs set up to run unmanned overnight or at the weekends.

For further information
www.engtechgroup.com