Shanghai ANTISHICNC has proposed its 630GS3 mid-speed wire-cut EDM to a UK marine equipment manufacturer seeking to machine keyways in the centre bores of tapered coupling hubs used in marine propulsion systems. 

The customer requires keyway dimensional tolerances within 0.05 mm, with cutting depths of up to 500 mm. Maintaining positional accuracy, symmetry and coaxiality at this depth presents challenges for conventional machining methods. 

The 630GS3 has X- and Y-axis travels of 630 and 500 mm respectively, with a customised Z-axis travel of 500 mm to accommodate the workpieces. Electric pushbutton Z-axis adjustment simplifies setup for couplings of different heights. 

Notably, a CNC C-axis indexing system enables accurate angular positioning to maintain keyway symmetry and alignment with the centre bore, while automatic wire tensioning helps maintain consistent wire conditions during extended cutting operations. AutoCut V10.0 and NCCAD programming software provide workpiece measurement and rotary alignment functions to simplify programming and setup. 

The machine also features a rigid bed structure and worktable capacity of up to 700 kg, providing stable support for large coupling hubs. Optimised pulse power control and cutting parameters for high-strength alloy steels are intended to help maintain dimensional accuracy and surface quality while minimising thermal damage. 

At present, the proposed configuration is undergoing final specification approval, including confirmation of the customised axis travel, electrical controls and software requirements. Once approved, the machine will proceed to manufacture according to the customer’s requirements. 

The project demonstrates how machine configuration and process adaptations can address the specific challenges of machining deep keyways in marine propulsion components, where dimensional accuracy and alignment are essential for reliable assembly. 

More information www.antsmachine.com 

Whitehouse Machine Tools is now the sales and service agent for Mitsubishi Electric’s wire-cut and die-sink EDM equipment in the UK and Ireland, expanding its portfolio of CNC machine tools and manufacturing solutions. The agreement brings Mitsubishi Electric’s EDM range alongside Whitehouse’s existing machine tool brands, including Brother, Spinner and Biglia.  

To maintain continuity for customers, experienced specialists Scott Elsmere and Dean Barnes have joined the company, bringing decades of technical sales and applications expertise with Mitsubishi Electric EDMs. Machines like the Mitsubishi Electric MV2400S wire-cut EDM, offer general machining accuracy of 3 µm or better and surface roughness down to Ra 0.3 µm. 

Mitsubishi Electric introduced its first commercial die-sink EDM machine in 1964, followed by its first wire-cut model in 1972. The company has since manufactured 75,000 EDM machines for use across sectors including aerospace, automotive, medical devices and precision toolmaking. Its technology incorporates energy-saving features that can reduce power consumption by up to 40%. 

Whitehouse has also invested in a dedicated, manufacturer-trained service division covering its machine tool brands across the UK and Ireland. The team will provide engineering support, spare parts and applications expertise for Mitsubishi Electric EDM customers. 

Peter Smith, sales & marketing director at Whitehouse Machine Tools, says: “The Mitsubishi Electric EDM range is a natural fit alongside our existing CNC machine tool portfolio, complementing our current manufacturing partners without overlapping processes. The precision, reliability and energy efficiency that define Mitsubishi Electric’s EDM products align perfectly with the standards we set across our CNC technology offerings.” 

He continues: “Our introduction of Mitsubishi Electric EDM to the UK & Irish market is further strengthened by the OEM’s European technical support facility near Düsseldorf, as well as the addition of two experienced UK-based specialists.” 

More information www.wmtcnc.com

The new Excetek NP Plus series of CNC wire EDM machines, supplied exclusively in the UK by Warwick Machine Tools, combines energy-saving technology with faster machining and onboard power consumption monitoring. 

The machines feature high-precision linear motors, a ‘Green Sparking’ generator, low-energy pumps and an inverter-controlled water chiller. Together, these systems reduce power consumption by up to 35%, while increasing machining speed by up to 25%. 

The Green Sparking generator uses an energy recovery system and high-speed discharge pulses to improve efficiency. ‘ECO Mode’ optimises fine finishing, reducing the number of machining passes required while improving surface accuracy. The generator achieves surface finishes of Ra 0.5 in three cuts and Ra 0.3 in five, compared with Ra 0.7 and Ra 0.35 respectively for the previous generator. 

Automatic compensation for brass wire wear helps reduce wire consumption, while peripheral systems operate only when required to limit unnecessary energy use. 

“A 35% reduction in energy consumed adds up,” says Paul Barry, technical manager at Warwick Machine Tools. “Over a year it represents an annual carbon emissions reduction of 4310 kg and electricity saving of almost 9000 kWh.” 

An onboard monitoring system records real-time electrical data and provides daily and monthly consumption reports, carbon emissions calculations and energy trend charts. It also logs energy use for individual NC machining processes, converting consumption into cost data to help businesses assess operating costs. 

The NP600L Plus model features a fixed worktable, with the linear motors moving the gantry and wire feed. This configuration accommodate workpieces weighing up to 800 kg. According to Barry, cutting speed can be increased by 25% without compromising volumetric accuracy or repeatability, both specified at better than ±2 microns. 

More information www.warwickmachinetools.co.uk