FEATURE ON EDM

Hirschmann starts co-operative research project

Carl Hirschmann GmbH is supporting activities at Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH), auniversity in Aachen with a co-operative project together with machine tool manufacturer GF Machining Solution and the study group EAK (Erosiver Arbeitskreis). In mid-November, Dominik Gotthelf and Bernd Reiner, sales manager at Carl Hirschmann, visited the university in Aachen, where they handed over an FJR80NCYA30A rotating and indexing spindle.

This spindle is used in an AgieCharmilles CUT P 350wire EDM machine from GF Machining Solutions to profile grinding wheels.

“For us as initiator of the project, it was important to train the research project group in the use of our rotary spindle and the associated control system,” says Reiner.

Manufacturing on an EDM equipped with Hirschmann high-speed rotating and indexing spindles is an efficient alternative to hard turning or superfinishing for rotationally symmetric parts. Even smallest parts in stainless steel, hard metal or even conductive ceramics, which cannot be made by conventional processes like turning or grinding, can be manufactured efficiently, reports the company.

Besides high-speed rotation, the application of rotating and indexing spindles allows precise indexing and simultaneous machining (via the machine control). It is thus possible to machine the finest rotationally symmetric structures and precise surfaces and contours.

In addition to the training, the meeting focused on a transfer of knowledge between the students and the two companies on technology and parameter settings. This is the basis for a further common research project and further investigations. The students receive additional support from grinding wheel manufacturer Tyrolit.

Hirschmannis pleased regarding this project with university RWTH Aachen and is looking forward to the results.
For further information www.carlhirschmann.de

Makino unveils UPX600 high-precision wire EDM

At JIMTOF 2022 in November, Makino gave the public its first view of the company’s new UPX600 wire EDM for high-precision applications such as press dies,precision electronic parts and motor components. Features include a new machining power supply (EW200B), independent upper and lower machine drive control, and constant temperature control technology. The machine also contributes to the reduction of running costs by reducing the number of processing steps.

With the new EW200B machining power supply and machining conditions, it is possible to improve the optimum surface roughness, reduce the number of machining passes, and shorten the machining time by outputting electric discharge finely and efficiently during finish-machining.

Responsiveness is also a key feature of the machine thanks to a structure that allows independent movement of the upper head (Z/U/V axes) and lower head (X/Y axes).

By improving insulation, the rise time to the target voltage is shortened, enabling efficient micro-fabrication. Moreover, the three-sided elevating processing tank means operators can access the work area from three directions. As the machining tank descends below the top surface of the table, it is possible to work on the lower part of the workpiece. Even if the core is accidentally dropped, it can be easily retrieved.

The machine’s Hyper-i control offers intuitive operations with an efficient interface consisting of three categories: program, set-up and operation. The high-resolution 24-inch touchscreen feels like a tablet device.

Among the machine’s main specifications are: 650 x 500 x 320 mm travel in the X, Y and Z axes; ±350 x ±250 mm in the U and V axes; a maximum workpiece size of 1030 x 800 × 300 mm (width x depth x height); and a maximum payload of 1800 kg.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

How to optimise base-plate removal from 3D-printed parts

Stirling-based CA Models, a specialist in high-quality, fast-turnaround metal and plastic additive manufacturing, is using new investment in two wire-erosion machines from Sodi-Tech EDM to optimise the process of removing 3D-printed parts from their build platforms.

“We had two Sodick wire EDM machines that were still running well but getting on in years,” explains founder and managing director Clark Campbell. “I felt it was the right time to bring in some new technology for the next decade. The new Sodick machines are even more accurate and faster. At CA Models we are in the ‘quick’ business, where just about every client wants their parts yesterday. That’s why we need an in-house resource when it comes to wire erosion. Every time we have a really complex, accurate part to produce, the clock is ticking.”

He adds: “I think Sodick technology is brilliant and the reliability of the machines warrants some loyalty in my opinion,” says Mr Campbell. “I went to an open day at Sodi-Tech EDM’s Warwick facility and was really impressed with the latest machines, which will play their part in a big way over the coming years.”

Installed in September 2022, the new Sodick ALC600G and ALC800G wire EDM machines are already busy.

“For example, take a titanium build platform with 14 motorsport parts on the base,” says Mr Campbell. “When the printing process is complete, the entire platform goes into our furnace for heat treatment for 24 hours, after which we wire-off all the components from base plate using our Sodick technology. As the wire cuts so finely we do not lose any dimensional accuracy in the parts. Furthermore, the machines wire so quickly that we get a head start in finishing the components.”
For further information www.sodi-techedm.co.uk

Vollmer’s VPortal goes live for customers

Through its new customer portal, VPortal, sharpening specialistVollmeris providing exclusive access to digital services, including its spare parts shop, machine overviews and technical documentation. Furthermore, VPortal gives customers the chance to send the support team any questions they may have about machines or services from Vollmer. Anyone who owns a Vollmer sharpening machine can register for and use the customer portal free of charge. Customers can request their unique log-in via e-mail or telephone.

“Our customer portal, VPortal, is the digital and personalised window that we provide to our customers and which we use to expand our services,” explains Jürgen Hauger, CEO of the Vollmer Group. “It forms the perfect link between the real and digital world, enabling our customers to keep a constant overview of their Vollmer grinding and erosion machines.”

The VPortal grants customers 24/7 access to their digital machine pool purchased from Vollmer. Notably, the digital service is available in English and German, and is free to use. At present, customers from Germany can register via e-mail or telephone. Once logged in to the online portal, the user can see a complete overview of the Vollmer sharpening machines available.

From the start page, the customer portal shows a clear overview of all digital services spread across five tiles: My machines, Spare parts, Orders, Support requests and Contact. Users can click on these tiles to navigate the portal and view or download the data that is most relevant to their Vollmer machines, as well as documents about technology or operation. When it comes to maintenance and servicing, VPortal enables users to submit an individual support request or to access Vollmer’s online spare parts shop.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

Aerospace supplier appoints new engineering director

Aerospace supplier Erodex UK has appointed Damian Ward as its new engineering director. Ward has more than 20 years’ experience providing tooling and engineering solutions within the aerospace industry and joins from Matrix Tooling Solutions, where he was business development manager. Prior to this, he held the role of aerospace business manager at Seco Tools.

Within his role as engineering director, Ward will be responsible for engineering operations at the company’s West Midlands based graphite machining facility, driving efficiency gains and reducing cost by implementing engineering best practice via the latest tooling, work-holding and software solutions.

“Erodex are the leading supplier of graphites, EDM consumables and state-of-the-art graphite machining to the UK aerospace industry, with a very capable and experienced engineering team,” says Ward. “I see further developing the engineering operations as a really exciting opportunity. We have a fantastic team, have benefited from continued investment in the latest five-axis CNC machine tools, and have a clear direction for investment moving forward.”

Ward’s introduction follows the previous appointment of James Kirk in 2019 as group operations director, with the two now working closely to drive the company’s continuous improvement programme.

Erodex director Steve Rolinson says: “These are exciting times for Erodex. Our goal is to expand and increase our presence within emerging overseas markets such as Latin America. By increasing engineering efficiencies, we can be more competitive in these markets while reinforcing our leading position within the UK aerospace sector. We’re delighted to welcome Damian to the company and look forward to seeing the benefit that his wealth of tooling and engineering expertise will bring.”
For further information www.erodex.com