Product category:
Machinery and Production Equipment
News Release from: 600 Centre | Subject: Robocut Alpha-1iA wire cut EDM
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 23 May 2001
Additional stroke option on top selling
EDM
Fanuc has extended the capacity, specification and performance of its Robocut Alpha-1iA wire cut electro discharge machine (EDM) with the fitment of its latest 18i-W control and power supply
Fanuc has extended the capacity, specification and performance of its Robocut Alpha-1iA wire cut electro discharge machine (EDM) with the fitment of its latest 18i-W control and power supply to provide high accuracy performance cutting at rates up to 300 mm2/min Now available from 600 Centre of Shepshed near Loughborough the latest version of the top selling Robocut comes with an additional Z-axis stroke option of 410 mm, work tank capacity of 1,100 mm by 730 mm by 400 mm and the capability to autoload wire bobbins weighing up to 20 Kg to extend unattended running periods
With the latest Fanuc 18 i-W control and i 'pulse' power supply, cutting rates up to 300 mm2/min can be performed using 0.3 mm standard brass wire.
Non-electrolysis AC cutting prevents corrosion and, by reducing the heating effects on the re-cast layer of the material being processed, the surface does not soften around the cutting area.
With the new A1 corner control wire deflection is minimised and precise path control ensures maximum profile and corner accuracy.
This eliminates any influence upon process accuracy, material, wire diameter or thickness of cut.
When cutting into an edge of a workpiece, wire breakage problems caused by unstable dielectric supply or component surface oxidation are overcome with the latest machine enhancements.
The new A1 Cut-in function automatically adjusts cutting conditions and dielectric fluid pressure to ensure a smooth entry into the cut.
In addition, the adaptive control software detects any changes in workpiece thickness and automatically adjusts the process settings to maintain cutting efficiency and thus avoid wire breakage.
This feature can improve cutting speeds by up to 30 per cent compared to conventional methods.
Submerged automatic wire feed for workpieces up to 100 mm thick takes less than 15 secs, using the new burrless thermal melting technique.
The wire guidance system is also simplified and ensures greater accuracy as no split guide is required.
Other important features available include auto-start hole search, automatic re-connection of the wire following breakage without having to return to the start point and remote cutting status monitoring.
This provides 'real time' cutting speed and machine status review for up to 24 machines via a remote PC graphics display.
New programs can also be remotely loaded.
As an option, the Fanuc control can be specified with a five-axis capability giving additional C-axis component rotation.
This can be incorporated with a touch trigger probe to maintain a 'centre line dimension' cutting capability for more accurate production of brazed tools for carbide and polycrystalline diamond, for instance.
Travels for U and V axes are + 60 mm and maximum taper angles + 300 by 80 mm with an option of + 450 by 40 mm.
As part of the Fanuc strategy for higher productivity, the PC-FAPT CUT i dedicated off-line programming system can be supplied.
Some 40 patterns are held in the Fanuc database which includes involute gear geometry while full operational conditions can be set including corner control.
Auto wire feed, up to six skim cuts, core-less cutting and different shape generation between the top and bottom of the component with automatic blend can also be programmed remotely from the machine.
• 600 Centre: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
