Northeast Manufacturing News • Feb 19 • Line Of Wire EDMs Expands Contouring Capabilities

“The AgieCharmilles CUT P 350’s robust machine design features efficient power generators and intuitive human-machine interfaces (HMIs), as well as several automation options for lights-out operations. With its Intelligent Power Generator (IPG) technology, the machine delivers surface finishes as smooth as Ra 0.08 μm and boosts cutting speeds by up to 20%,” said a company spokesperson. Several EXPERT systems further optimize the IPG’s cutting performance, especially for challenging applications.

POWER-EXPERT monitors and changes power levels as the machine cuts parts with variable heights. The system protects the parts from unstable conditions while the machine maintains high cutting speeds. Simultaneously, SURFACE- EXPERT controls the spark parameters during finishing operations to provide enhanced surface finishes on variable-height parts. This maximizes part quality and reduces the need for secondary benchwork.

Regardless of workpiece height, WIRE-EXPERT controls wire wear to achieve continuous geometrical accuracy from all directions. For part profile accuracy, PROFIL-EXPERT automatically adapts the machining parameters and the cut path for roughing and skimming passes to provide control of fine details and to ensure positioning and contour accuracies of ±2 μm.

TAPER-EXPERT technology cuts angles from 0° to 30° (45° as an option) to maximum Z heights. The system corrects shifts of the Z reference position in real time, even when the taper angle is changing. The taper angle is also held to within 10 seconds on average, providing taper accuracy and geometry reference accuracy throughout the taper cut.

A fixed table on the AgieCharmilles CUT P 350 machine provides rigidity and stability to help ensure accuracy when machining heavy workpieces. Integrated temperature regulation systems consistently maintain temperatures within ±0.2 ° C, which provides repeatability over long periods of time.

In shops where the ambient temperature may vary throughout the day, a thermostabilization option provides an extra layer of protection from thermal effects on machine axes.

The machine also features GF Machining Solutions’ collision-protection technology in the X, Y, U, V and Z axes that prevents potential machine damage while eliminating costly downtime and maintenance, even at maximum axis travel speeds of 3 m/min.

The AC CUT HMI 2 user interface on the AgieCharmilles CUT P 350 simplifies file management and maximizes operator efficiency with its 19” touchscreen and i7 CPU technology. The control also supports intuitive programming directly on the control as well as imported CAD/CAM files through the built-in AC CAM EASY CAD/CAM software. The AgieCharmilles CUT P 350 is also ready for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) with eConnectivity features that connect the machine to larger shop management systems for effective monitoring and increased machine utilization.

New automation solutions, including Automatic Slug Management (ASM), Automatic Slug Welding (ASW) and Renishaw probing systems, reduce processing time by up to 20% in lights-out production environments. Additionally, the AgieCharmilles CUT P 350 can integrate with robots such as the System 3R WorkPartner 1+ to automatically load and unload parts for a single machine or within a two-machine automation cell.

With over 600 dedicated, pre-programmed cutting processes, the Agie- Charmilles CUT P 350 optimizes production for electronics, automotive, medical and mold and die manufacturers in materials such as steel, carbide, copper, aluminum, titanium and graphite, among others. The machine handles parts ranging from less than 0.039” (1 mm) up to 31.50” (800 mm) in height, weighing up to 1,653 lbs. (750 kg). Wires are available in diameters of 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.33 mm.

For more information contact: GF Machining Solutions LLC 560 Bond St. Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224 847-913-5300 www.gfms.com/us