PHOTOS COURTESY OF GF MACHINING SOLUTIONS
High surface quality on medical instruments can be achieved thanks to the dedicated process programming of the CUT F.
First model in CUT F series EDMs
The AgieCharmilles CUT F 350/600 series, designed for ease of use and flexibility, features the Uniqua human machine interface (HMI), supporting legacy file types from various EDM manufacturers. It also has off-line and at-the-machine programming, ISO-based functionality, object-oriented programming, and a powerful graphic tool with integrated CAM for compatibility with major CAD/CAM programs.
The iWire function of the CUT F 600 automatically identifies and adapts wire speed to changing erosion height conditions during the wire cutting EDM process. This eliminates wire breakage while reducing overall wire consumption per job, in some instances up to 29%.
iWire works in tandem with the Intelligent Spark Protection System (ISPS). SparkTrack can recognize exactly where the sparks of wire cutting EDM are happening during the process. Additionally, it can measure and identify the position of each spark along the length of an EDM’s wire, enabling the system to optimize cutting height, which automatically adapts the wire feed speed accordingly. This reduces chances of wire breakage during unattended operations when machining parts with steps and other features that vary the erosion height.
Also available with the CUT F series machines is the SMART wire technology. This system reads wire characteristics via RFID chip on the spool as well as other traceability related data.
https://www.gfms.com
Updated absolute linear encoder
EnDat 3’s new interface has the benefits of previous versions, but is faster and more robust, with simplified functional safety features. It uses a 200kHz clock frequency, compared to the 16kHz of previous versions, and has doubled its supported bandwidth, from 12.5Mb/s to 25Mb/s.
Functional safety aspects of the interface have been simplified with the EnDat 3 leveraging the industry standard for functional safety – black channel – making implementation easier for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
The EnDat 3 interface detects its absolute position, rather than just its position relative to a reference, advantageous at machine start up as it doesn’t require any machine movement to establish its position.
Cabling requirements are reduced – going down to a 2- or 4-wire setup from the eight wires previously needed. For robotics applications, the EnDat 3 offers bus operation, allowing manufacturers to daisy-chain encoders, reducing cabling and costs, simplifying design and manufacturing.
It has increased memory and storage capacity and the ability to password-protect information stored in the encoder, such as specific code or machine information. The new interface supports an increased number of temperature sensors and added support for multi-dimensional encoders, offering easier installation and simplified downstream calculation when using multiple reader heads on a single cable.
Micro drilling portfolio
KenDrill Micro is Kennametal’s first comprehensive micro drilling portfolio for short- and deep-hole applications. The line delivers powerful coolant supply to improve chip evacuation and avoid frustrating tool breakages. With a design reducing cutting forces and optimizing chip flow, the drill delivers elevated process reliability. KenDrill Micro supports machining various materials, providing versatility on the shop floor. This small-diameter solid carbide drill can bring new levels of accuracy and longevity to small part machining.
https://www.kennametal.com/us/en/home.html
Explore the September 2023 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
Latest from Today's Medical Developments
- Machine Solutions acquires Alpine Laser LLC
- OSG USA’s PHOENIX PFDC indexable face mill cutter & inserts
- IMTS 2024 Booth Tour: Fagor Automation Corp.
- How Robotics and Automation are Transforming Manufacturing
- Quasar Medical acquires Ridgeback Technologies
- SMW Autoblok's TMS-2G quick-change system
- IMTS 2024 Booth Tour: Marubeni Citizen-Cincom, Inc.
- Star Cutter incorporates TRU TECH brand into grinding technology portfolio
