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

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

Sharpening specialist Voller recently opened its doors for the company’sVDays 2023 in-house trade fair at Biberach. Across three days, customers, suppliers and partners had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of grinding, eroding and laser machines with keynote speeches, specialist talks and product demonstrations. Around 400 visitors from around the world attended the event, which not only focussed on automation and digitalisation, but also efficient production using sustainable processes.

“We’re very satisfied with the popularity of and interest in our VDays,” says Jürgen Hauger, joint CEO of theVollmer Group. “In particular, we enjoyed the face-to-face conversations that we were able to have with our customers and partners.”

Over the course of VDays, Vollmer product managers and engineers explained sharpening technologies for various grinding, erosion and laser machines, as well as their potential applications in the metalworking industries. These presentations also included the latest innovations in tool manufacturing, such as the VLaser 370 laser machine, VGrind series tool grinding machines and the VHybrid 260 grinding and erosion machine.

Other machines, such as the CS 860 and the CSF 860 grinding machines, are suitable for the sustainable sharpening of circular saws. These models can machine the tooth face, tooth top and flanks of carbide-tipped circular saw teeth with high precision, energy efficiency and automation.

“Together with partner companies at the VDays, we managed to map the entire process chain in tool manufacturing and indicate how important digitalisation, automation and process efficiency are to tool grinding,” explains Dr Stefan Brand, joint CEO of theVollmer Group. “These trends offer opportunities for differentiation and competitive advantages, both for our customers and for ourselves.”
For further information www.vollmer-group.com