Lincolnshire, Illinois, February 1, 2011 – GF AgieCharmilles will be demonstrating Wire EDM and 5-axis milling technologies in its booth, #1258, at AeroDef Manufacturing 2011. The company will also be conducting a session focusing on how advances in EDM technology provide cost benefits to aerospace manufacturers. AeroDef Manufacturing 2011 will take place on April 5 – 7 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
The GF AgieCharmilles CUT 200 Wire EDM provides faster spark-to-spark wire threading, increases energy efficiency and boosts productivity when cutting parts of variable heights. The machine also offers higher flexibility through its ability to reliably hold tolerances measure in microns in both light and heavy parts.
The CUT 200 integrates GF AgieCharmilles’ Power Expert smart module, which continuously calculates part thickness, checking injection pressure and adjusting machine power accordingly. This prevents wire breakage when changing the part thickness being machined. The machine also offers an optional Renishaw touch probe that allows users to inspect finished parts while still on the worktable in the machine, eliminating the need for part inspection with a CMM.
The CUT 200 accommodates wire diameters ranging from 0.07 mm – 0.33 mm and can handle part tapers of up to 45°, regardless of part thickness. The machine’s digital CC generator enables surface finishes as fine as Ra 0.1 µm and an optional power module can boost cutting speed to 37.2 in2/hr with an adapted wire. Additionally, the Econowatt 2 smart module provides energy savings by allowing operators to define conditions in which the machine will automatically shut down or awaken to complete thermostabilization prior to production.
In terms of milling solutions, GF AgieCharmilles will be demonstrating the HSM 400U LP, a 5-axis, high-speed milling center that provides high precision and surface finish quality. The machine is extremely dynamic and fast, and achieves speeds up to 250 RPM on the rotational axis and up to 150 RPM on the swivel axis, with a B-axis swivel range of 220 degrees. The HSM 400U LP also uses a liquid cooled, linear direct drive motor technology to allow for short setting times and high dynamic rigidity of the attitude control. Additionally, the linear direct drive combines with central oil lubrication to reduce friction-induced wear and ensure excellent, long-term precision.
With powerful vector spindles available at 30,000, 42,000 or 54,000 RPM, the HSM 400U LP also provides excellent surface finish and part detail, while significantly reducing machining time for semi-finishing and finishing operations. The machine’s high dynamics and 1.7 g acceleration help facilitate the reduction of non-productive time and help to maximize spindle utilization.
The HSM 400U LP possesses the capability for 24/7 unattended machining using the optional pallet changer with 20/48 pallets. This fully integrated pallet magazine further enhances the machine’s automation potential. The pallet changer can be loaded while the machine is cutting, leading to minimum idle time for the machining center.
Ken Baeszler, product manager at GF AgieCharmilles, will be presenting ‘Re-evaluating the EDM Process to Reduce Cost in Aerospace Components’ at 3:15 pm on Tuesday, April 5. The session will revolve around recent advancements in EDM centers and how breakthroughs in generator design have allowed the technology to achieve significant cost reductions for aerospace manufacturers.
About GF AgieCharmilles
GF AgieCharmilles is the North American leading supplier of laser ablation center, wire EDM, CNC and manual diesinking systems and high speed/performance and 5-axis CNC milling machines. For more information on the company’s products and services, contact Gisbert Ledvon, GF AgieCharmilles, 560 Bond St., Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224, Tel: 1-800-CTC-1EDM. Gisbert.Ledvon@us.gfac.com, Fax: 847-913-5340, or visit http://www.gfac.com/us.
