Turbo Tech cutting technology, a standard option on new AgieCharmilles wire EDM machines from GF Machining Solutions (now United Grinding), is said to deliver faster processing speeds with no compromise on quality (part accuracy and surface finish). In a recent benchmark test cut conducted by GFMS engineers, Turbo Tech cutting technology was pitted against the company’s ‘Speed Tech’ cutting technology in a timed trial – the objective being to find out which would deliver the fastest processing speeds.

The cutting process undertaken involved two CUT P 350 Pro wire EDM machines, simultaneously machining an identical punch die component using AC Brass 900 wire (0.25 mm diameter). The punches were both cut from 30 mm thick steel, and the requirement was to achieve a 0.45 µm surface finish.

With the first CUT P 350 Pro, the ‘Speed Tech’ setting was selected from the machine’s UNIQUA iHMI control, with the ‘Turbo Tech’ setting deployed on the second. The cutting process, involving a main cut followed by three trim cuts, was timed for each, with the part being machined using Turbo Tech taking 30 minutes to complete as opposed to 38 minutes with Speed Tech.

Says Martin Spencer, GFMS UK managing director: “In this relatively straightforward test, the processing speed of the part being machined using Turbo Tech was 21% faster. For more complex parts this can be increased to over 40%, demonstrating that Turbo Tech delivers increased productivity and improved accuracies, whatever the flushing conditions and irrespective of the wire in use.”

More information www.gfms.com

At last month’s EMO 2025 exhibition in Germany, Bedra says it set a new milestone in the world of EDM with Blac technology (Bedra lattice amplified coating). According to Bedra, this innovative coating takes EDM productivity to an unprecedented level – without requiring any adjustments to existing cutting technologies.

Blac combines a micro-structured surface with a lattice-like embedding of semiconductive materials. The result: each spark discharge is coupled into the workpiece more efficiently, allowing a greater portion of the available energy to be converted into material removal.
 

Users benefit from higher cutting performance – both in the main cut and in the first three trim cuts – while maintaining high levels of process. In addition, Blac contributes to energy efficiency in production. By making better use of spark discharges, users consume noticeably less electricity per finished workpiece – a tangible contribution to CO₂ reduction and sustainability strategies in industrial manufacturing.

“With Blac technology, we’re not only delivering a new coating generation, but making a technological statement for greater efficiency in production,” says Dr Tobias Nöthe, CTO. “Anyone who wants to future-proof their manufacturing will not be able to ignore this technology.”

Launched now is Topas Blac G and Blacspark H, representing the first product innovations based on Bedra’s Blac technology. Both products are designed to translate the advantages of the new coating into measurable benefits in everyday use.

For more than four decades, Bedra says it has been shaping the development of wire EDM and setting standards in precision and performance. Its innovations have continuously advanced the technology, making processes more reliable and productive for customers worldwide.

More information www.bedra.com

Vollmer has launched its VPulse 500 1000 Edition, an efficient wire erosion machine that the company says represents a significant leap forward in the manufacturing and maintenance of PCD tipped tools.

The VPulse 500 1000 Edition is a limited-time machine offer that celebrates more than 1000 Vollmer wire erosion machines installed worldwide. This exclusive machine is only available for a limited period and is supplied with Vollmer’s powerful EDM generator, the HR Automation system for increased tool capacity, oscillation eroding technology, PCD residue detection and more.

Notably, the new VPulse EDM erosion generator delivers either higher material removal rates or optimised surface quality to support diverse machining objectives. The integrated technology database simplifies operation by providing preconfigured parameters that enhance user-friendliness. Operators can quickly select appropriate material-specific machining programs, while the database can be expanded to meet specific customer requirements.

According to Vollmer, the machine’s state-of-the-art control technology delivers optimal machining performance through simultaneous path interpolation along five CNC axes, enabling measurement and erosion within a single clamping operation.

The machine accommodates machining with unsupported clamping and offers an optional counterpoint unit for machining between centres. Various interfaces provide flexibility for different workpieces.

Vollmer has developed an operating concept that prioritises human-machine interaction. The approach incorporates a flexible height-adjustable and tilting control panel that ensures operators maintain optimal views of both the display and machine work area. Operation occurs via touchscreen or mouse, with user-friendly menu navigation ensuring complex tasks can be performed with minimal training. Simple information retrieval provides access to essential program and machine parameters, while new documentation and analysis options support faster process optimisation.

More information www.vollmer-group.com

The retirement of Rainer Jung, founder of EDM machine builder Ops-Ingersoll, marks the end of an important chapter in the company’s history. Since founding the business in 2003, Jung has built up the company with great commitment and entrepreneurial foresight. As a visionary and innovator, he laid the foundation for Ops-Ingersoll’s current success and strong market position.

The responsibility for the further development of the company has already been in the hands of Matthias Schmidt and Christian Kraft for some time. As managing directors, they will shape the future of Ops-Ingersoll and continue on a progressive path. The company thanks Jung for his achievements and looks forward to continuing the successful history of
Ops-Ingersoll in his spirit.

The news follows hot on the heels of another company development, with Ops-Ingersoll appointing a new sales partners for the Chinese market as part of a strategic realignment. With immediate effect, Greatoo Intelligent Equipment Inc, including its subsidiary Ops-Ingersoll Machine Tool (Guangdong) Co Ltd, will take over the sales and service of Ops-Ingersoll products in China.

Ops-Ingersoll Machine Tool (Guangdong) Co Ltd, which is located in Jieyang, will act as the central sales and service point for the Chinese market in the future. The company is responsible for the complete pre- and after-sales service as well as the maintenance of Ops-Ingersoll machines.

In addition, Leeport Machine Tool (Shenzhen) Co Ltd has been appointed as a further authorised partner. Both companies are working closely with Ops-Ingersoll to strengthen the brand presence and ensure efficient local customer support.

“With this new structure, we create the basis for efficient sales and reliable support for our customers in China,” says Schmidt.

More information www.ops-ingersoll.de/en/

In a world where precision determines success or failure, Mitsubishi Electric says it is setting new standards in wire EDM with the company’s latest MX900 series. What makes this machine special is not just its accuracy of less than 1 µm – it is the combination of advanced technologies that make this precision possible in the first place.

The heart of the MX900 is its well-thought-out gantry design, where the massive machine bed made of spheroidal cast iron is completely decoupled from all peripheral units. This innovation virtually eliminates all vibrations and thermal influences. The eight-fold mounted linear guides with precisely executed mounting surfaces ensure smoothness and virtually no running resistance.

Tubular direct drive technology operates completely contactless and is therefore wear-free. It converts electrical energy directly into motion – without mechanical intermediate stages. Unlike conventional drives, there is no disruptive cogging torque that could impair precision. Communication takes place via polymer fibre optic cables, enabling 400% faster data transmission. The result: positioning accuracies below ±1 µm over the entire travel path – Mitsubishi Electric provides a 12-year manufacturer‘s warranty on this precision.

The MX900 thinks thermally ahead: even before heat can develop, the machine compensates accordingly. The sophisticated two-column concept combines the physical decoupling of heat sources such as pumps and aggregates with predictive temperature control. This forward-looking strategy is crucial, as thermodynamic processes exhibit a certain inertia – pure reactive adjustment would come too late for the required accuracies.

Mitsubishi’s newly developed nPV (Nano Pulse V-Power) generator works with pulses in the nanosecond range and produces a uniform, controlled spark pattern across the entire erosion path. This enables surface qualities up to Ra 0.04 µm in carbide and below Ra 0.06 µm in steel.

More information www.mitsubishielectric-edm.eu