INTERNATIONAL NEWS

New wire EDM series improves accuracy and flexibility

For many years, manufacturers accepted that no single wire EDM machine could excel at every application. Some prioritised speed, others surface finish or taper accuracy. With the introduction of the CUT X 350 and CUT X 500, GF Machining Solutions says it is challenging that assumption.

Developed and built at the company’s Losone, Switzerland facility, the CUT X series is available in two sizes to accommodate workpieces up to 800 x 550 x 250 mm (CUT X 350) and 1050 x 700 x 250 mm (CUT X 500). Both models are engineered for high precision, combining optimised machine mechanics with an advanced thermal management concept. A sealed cabinet and controlled airflow maintain stable internal temperatures, while heat sources are isolated from critical components to minimise the influence of ambient fluctuations.

An array of internal and external sensors feeds data to the CNC, where an AI-driven algorithm predicts potential thermal deformation and compensates axis positioning in real time. The result is consistent micron-level accuracy, even during long machining cycles.

Flexibility is enhanced by interchangeable open and closed wire guide cartridges, which can be changed and aligned in less than 15 minutes. Open guides suit straight or low-taper cuts, while closed guides deliver higher accuracy and surface quality for tapers up to 30°. Additively manufactured heads improve flushing efficiency and increase cutting speeds.

The UNIQUA HMI, featuring a 19-inch vertical touchscreen, provides intuitive control and supports legacy file formats.

Further productivity gains come from automatic wire changing, dual wire circuits, intelligent spark protection, integrated probing and automated slug management, ultimately enabling reliable, lights-out performance across a broad range of EDM applications.

More information www.gfms.com

Ultimate reliability: 35-year-old wire EDM still in use

When Kress Funkenerosion was founded in 1990 in Mühlhausen, near Nuremberg, its future rested on a single machine: a FANUC Tape Cut W2. As a young tool- and mould-making subcontractor serving demanding sectors such as automotive, aerospace and medical, uptime was critical. The brief for that first investment was straightforward: deliver high-quality wire-cut components with absolute reliability.

More than three decades later, that same machine remains in daily operation, a testament to the durability and engineering philosophy of FANUC.

The machine’s longevity set the tone for the company’s future direction. Impressed by consistent performance and minimal maintenance requirements, Kress Funkenerosion standardised on FANUC wire EDM technology, investing in a further 12 machines over the years.

The most recent additions are two FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC models, which provide both precision and versatility. Managing director Michael Schander reports that tolerances of ±3 µm are achieved with ease, supported by reliable automatic wire threading in under 10 seconds. Yet, for Schander, performance figures tell only part of the story.

“What really sets FANUC apart is the build quality,” he says. “The last service call I remember was over six years ago. That level of reliability is exceptional.”

Today, all wire EDM machines on site are FANUC models, forming the backbone of the company’s ISO 9001-accredited operation. For founder Gerhard Kress, the decision remains clear: “The first machine I bought in 1990 is still running. After more than 30 years of experience, I see no reason to change.”

More information www.fanuc.eu

Sodick wire EDM powers automotive excellence

Set against the backdrop of Northern Italy’s industrial heartland, Meclostampi Group has specialised in progressive toolmaking since 1971. Founded by Cavaliere Antonio Canobbio and now led by Valter Canobbio, the company serves demanding automotive customers with a clear philosophy: quality first. That mindset has driven its continued investment in EDM technology from Sodick since 1988.

“Our parts are only as good as the machine that produces them,” says Canobbio. “Choosing the cheapest option is short-sighted, and the same applies to service.”

Operating from a 7000 m² facility in Lomazzo, Lombardy, and employing more than 80 skilled staff, Meclostampi partners with RF Celada SpA to deploy advanced Sodick wire EDM technology. The close collaboration ensures high levels of machine performance are matched by responsive technical support.

A key advantage has been Sodick’s ability to overcome the long-standing challenges of machining carbide.

“In the past, carbide created surface issues on other machines,” explains Canobbio. “Sodick solved this issue years ahead of its competitors.”

The result is superior surface integrity, greater tool life and enhanced process reliability.

Meclostampi’s Sodick fleet includes ALC 600G, SLC 600G and AG60L models equipped with linear motor drives, advanced generators and intelligent control systems. These technologies deliver micron-level accuracy, smooth surface finishes and consistent positioning performance – critical factors in the production of progressive, transfer and deep-drawing tools for automotive applications.

Reliability is equally important, as Canobbio confirms: “I don’t remember a stoppage for maintenance.”

With in-house stamping presses ranging from 250 to 6000 kN, Meclostampi can validate tool accuracy and longevity under real production conditions.

“Speed, accuracy, reliability and flexibility define quality tooling,” he concludes. “Investing in the right technology ensures we remain the best partner for our customers, today and in the future.”

More information www.sodick.eu

SMW Autoblok unveils APS zero-point clamping modules

SMW Autoblok says its next-generation APS 138‑E and APS 138‑I zero-point clamping modules are engineered to deliver <0.005 mm repeatability, maximum rigidity and universal interface compatibility across nearly all zero-point systems currently in the market. The APS 138 series enables high-speed part changeover, full automation support and high machining accuracy across turning, milling and grinding operations, reports the company.

With the APS 138-E for external mounting and APS 138-I for integrated, built-in applications, both modules provide the same mechanical performance characteristics: a three-jaw clamping design, spring-actuated locking and pull-down forces up to 26 kN assisted by SMW Autoblock’s ‘Turbo’ function. Holding force reaches 75 kN using standard ISO 4762-12.9 screws, and modules can be unlocked pneumatically at 6 bar via side or bottom actuation.

“This platform is designed as a direct-fit alternative to other zero-point systems on the market,” says Larry Robbins, president and CEO at SMW Autoblok USA. “Shops don’t have to reconfigure their work-holding systems to gain a boost in precision and speed.”

The APS system serves as a universal interface between the machine tool, clamping device and workpiece. It requires no traditional fixturing methods and is suitable for pallet automation and modular set up.

All APS modules are Proofline-sealed for full protection against coolant, corrosion and swarf. An integrated air purge system for cleaning and locating surfaces is standard, helping maintain chip-free mating surfaces, essential for automation and high-tolerance part handling. Select models support pneumatic stroke control for real-time monitoring and feedback during robotic load/unload cycles.

The three-jaw system includes three clamping slides, providing higher pull-down forces and eliminating the need for special set-ups during multi-directional milling operations.

More information www.smwautoblok.com

Kurt launches pneumatic vice for five-axis machining

In the fast-paced world of precision machining, factors such as speed, accuracy and repeatability are everything, which is why Kurt Workholding has developed its PFA620 five-axis pneumatic vice.

The Kurt PFA620 is an air-actuated self-centring vice designed for modern five-axis machining centres. Compact, powerful and automation-ready, it is suitable for shops looking to shorten set-up times without sacrificing precision.

The new air vice was recently featured as part of a fully automated, lights-out work cell at the Yamazen open house in Elk Grove, Illinois. At the event, the air vice could be seen mounted on a custom base directly to the platter of a Brother Speedio U500Xd2 machining centre with an integrated robot. 

“The automated access door allows the robot to move parts in and out of machine without an operator present,” explains Andrew Justin, Kurt Workholding sales engineer. “You can load stock into the drawer system and let the machine run for hours unattended until stock is depleted. At this point, you replenish the raw stock and start the cycle over again. The PFA620 mounts to any five-axis platter both through the body and with a custom adapter plate if necessary.”

The PFA620 can be integrated into a rotary union with pneumatics so there are no external air lines: all pneumatics are captured within the base plate and vice. This design allows for maximum access on five sides while not potentially damaging external air lines. New Kurt air vice models will feature porting on the bottom of the vice to eliminate exposed air lines.

Unlike typical pneumatic vices, the Kurt PFA620 offers manual full-stroke adjustment via a hex screw and handle, giving machinists the freedom to quickly adapt to parts of varying sizes.

More information www.kurtworkholding.com