New wire offers contamination-free erosion

To increase efficiency in the EDM production of contamination-free components, bedra has developed the confreecut ONE EDM wire.

In wire EDM, it is particularly important that component surfaces are free of contamination from foreign materials after production. In conventional wire erosion, the surfaces of the cut component may show residues of copper and zinc, requiring subsequent chemical cleaning. The additional cleaning process increases throughput times and production costs enormously. In the case of component surfaces that are difficult to access, the cleaning effect is also limited or insufficient.

Currently, most machine shops specify EDM wires made of molybdenum or tungsten for such applications. However, these wires carry a high material price. In addition, the wire guides are subject to heavy wear and automatic threading can be problematic, reports bedra.

To increase efficiency in the EDM production of contamination-free components, the company is introducing the confreecut ONE EDM wire, whichbedra says stands for contamination-free and fast machining with low wire guide wear and reduced wire costs. The wire has a high-purity outer nickel coating with optimal layer thickness. Run lengths of up to 60,000 metres per spool permit significantly more autonomous production compared with the usual fabrication of molybdenum and tungsten wires.

Notably, bedra was able to prove in numerous tests that confreecut ONE reduces the copper and zinc contamination, with zinc reduced to almost zero during processing with 2-4 trim cuts. In the process, bedra examined the components for these residues using highly sensitive analysis technology. The companyis happy to advise potential customers on specific erosion applications.
For further information www.bedra.com

ONA AV130 makes big ideas come true

ONA not only manufactures a wide range of standard-size EDM machines, it also specialises in the design and manufacture of large models such as the AV130, which has a 10 tonne load capacity as standard (expandable to 25 tonne).

According toONA, the AV130 brings great ideas to life, transforming large-scale projects into simple solutions. Of particular note, the ONA AV130 automatically threads of all types of wires and offers a cutting capacity of up to 800 mm in height. The X-axis travel is 2000 mm, with 1000 or 1300 mm in the Y axis. U/V axis travel is 500 x 500 mm, while the maximum taper angle is 30°.

The company says that the AV130’s high cutting speeds equate to a 30% time saving, complemented by minimum maintenance costs and greater autonomy with wire coils weighting up to 45 kg.

ONA’s versatile modular design of its large wire EDM machines allows more than 20 combinations, providing the ability to work with the largest parts on the market. The machineprovidesusers with speed, autonomy, strength and precision, alongsidegreater execution power.

The company says there are many benefits associated with its AV technology. For instance, the numerical control, designed on the concept of usability, has a 23” touch interface, intuitive and visually friendly menus, applications represented by icons, andreal-time information forgreater control of the EDM process. Furthermore, the new interface displays the workpiece in 3D and allows the operator to rotate and move it according to requirements with a simple tap.
For further information www.onaedm.com

Excel Precision buys Homerosion EDM Supplies

Excel Precision Group, a major UK EDM specialist, has acquired Homerosion EDM Supplies Ltd,a UKsupplier of EDM consumables and spare parts that has provided an excellent service to the EDM industry for almost 20 years. As a result of the acquisition, Excel Precision Group has changed the name of Homerosion EDM to Excel EDM Supplies Ltd and set up a new website under that name. All other details remain the same, such as company registration number, VAT number and bank account details.

As Excel EDM Supplies, the company will continue to provide all customers with high-quality consumables and spares, on time.However, it will also be increasing both its product range and levels of inventory.As part of a structured growth strategy, Excel EDM Supplies is now able to offer pre-owned EDM machines and chiller units. The company also provides a range of tooling, work-holding equipment, training, design services, software solutions and service packages.

Ultimately, Excel EDM Supplies can support customers through every aspect of their EDM journey.Thousands of items are currently on the shelf ready for next-day delivery. Recent product additions include the company’s new brass and super brass wire. According to Excel EDM Supplies, super brass wire cuts up to 25% faster than standard brass wire.

As a further point of note, Amanda Caffery has joined the team as sales and administration manager for Excel EDM Supplies. Please note that Homerosion Ltd is not part of this acquisition. Martin Homer is still operating Homerosion Ltd and his contact details remain unchanged.
For further information www.exceledmsupplies.com

GFMS launches CUT F wire EDM machines

GF Machining Solutions has introduced a new range of wire EDM machines. The AgieCharmilles CUT F series comprises two models (CUT F 350 and CUT F 600), each equipped with the company’s proprietary Uniqua control, ISPS intelligent spark protection system, iWire intelligent functions and RFID smart wire system. Furthermore, at the heart of every machine is the proven high-end IPG-DPS generator.

According to GFMS, CUT F machines deliver improved performance and optimised precision. The range sits in-between the company’s established CUT E and CUT P series’ of wire EDM machines and features the tried and tested SparkTrack technology platform.

The new C-frame machines feature an enhanced design that improves thermal stability and vibration control, resulting in higher part accuracies and superior surface finishes, reports the company. Specific features include axis optical encoders (cooled via the work tank and dielectric fluid) and high-accuracy, high-grade ballscrews that improve positional accuracies.

CUT F machines come with an intuitive iHMI featuring a 19” vertical touchscreen, full keyboard and a mouse. The Uniqua platform interface supports offline and at-the-machine programming, and facilitates sequential and object-oriented programming. The control hasa powerful graphic tool with an integrated CAM system and is compatible with all major CADCAM programs.

Of particular note, the iWire function automatically identifies and adapts the wire speed to changing erosion height conditions during the EDM process and, by sodoing, eliminates wire breakage while reducing overall wire consumption per job – in some instances by as much as 29%.iWire technology works in tandem with ISPS, both of which are accessible from the Uniqua control.
For further information www.gfms.com

Sodick introduces VN series wire EDM

For manufacturers that demand the epitome of precision, component quality and production efficiency, Sodick Europe says it has introduced its new VN series of linear motor-driven wire EDM machines. Presented as a high-quality enhanced range of standard EDM machines, the new arrival offers the added advantage of reduced power consumption and operational costs.

Available in two variants, the new VN400Q and the VN600Q can deliver a 20% decrease in power consumption when compared with standard models. With up to 70% of wire EDM energy consumption used by the dielectric treatment system, the Sodick VN series overcomes this issue with a new fluid control circuit that reduces the energy needed to drive the dielectric processing pump. Utilising an inverter to control the vertical flushing flow rate during machiningdelivers a 20% reduction in power consumption during machine standby.

As well as reducing power consumption, the newly developed energy-saving pump is integrated into the dielectric tank and, along with the LN3W/LP3W power supply unit, the Sodick VN series significantly improves nozzle flushing performance to amplify open cutting speeds by up to 15%. In addition, an intelligent monitoring circuit oversees the vertical flushing flow rate to provide further optimisation of the pump drive energy for flushing.

Also contributing to the efficiency of the Sodick VN series is the linear motor drive system with linear scales. Providing precise high-speed axis motion that is wear-free, it is possible to maintain extremely responsive speed, precision and repeatability for years to come. This performance sees a further enhancement with the latest K-SMC motion controller that governs axis movements and tracks spark-gap adjustments.
For further information www.sodi-tech.co.uk