At the recent MACH 2022 exhibition in the UK, NCMT showcased the Makino U6 H.E.A.T. Extreme wire-cut EDM centre. In addition to using standard wire from 0.1 to 0.3 mm, NCMT says the machine is optionally able to run the largest diameter wire – 0.4 mm – of any machine on the market. The wire is coated and distinct from the uncoated brass wire that is commonly used in industry.

The extra wire thickness, together with the use of a second booster generator in the machine, allows 2-3 times higher productivity and heavier duty machining compared with using a standard 0.25 mm wire. Thicker wire also allows a slower unspool speed, so there is no increase in wire consumption rate. The demonstrations on the NCMT stand focused on the machining of a tall keyway, together with a comparison of machining with 0.4 mm wire and other diameters in a set time, assisted by dual pumps delivering high pressure and volume flushing.

Part of Makino’s U-series wire EDM machine platform, the U6 H.E.A.T. Extreme uses a new Bedra copper core wire featuring a double-layer coating with controlled zinc donation. The wire has been optimised for use with Makino’s generator and is exclusive to the new machine, promoting fast cutting at a reduced wire speed, leading to lower manufacturing cost. Areas of application include aerospace and medical component machining, separating additively manufactured parts, machining tall moulds and dies, and tackling tough nickel alloys.

The U6 H.E.A.T. Extreme also features Makino’s HyperDrive Extreme wire control to raise speed and performance. The system employs servo-motor tensioning that provides both jet and jet-less automatic threading modes, and expands the range and stability of wire tension to overcome the difficult job of reliably threading high tensile strength (stiff) wire.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk