“As with all machining processes, there’s an insatiable desire to reduce cycle times while meeting part-quality requirements in sinker EDM processing,” said Brian Pfluger, Makino’s EDM product manager. “Fulfilling these needs involves a number of considerations, including how to process for best speed and efficiency, minimize electrode manufacturing requirements, and reduce electrode wear to achieve the best possible surface finish quality. Our new high-speed Z-axis technology, combined with Makino’s SuperSpark IV, helps support these factors, providing an ideal balance for efficiency in both electrode consumption and cycle times without the need for external auxiliary flushing.”
EDM for Large Workpieces
The new high-speed Z-axis technology is available on all Makino EDNC-Series sinker EDM machines, and is designed for use in large workpiece applications requiring high accuracy and fine surface finishes. Its design offers a jump rate of 20 m per minute with 1.5-G acceleration, Z-axis strokes ranging from 500 to 800 mm, and programming of orbital machining patterns with no amperage limitations. The use of direct-drive motor technology and liquid cooling within the Z-axis structure ensures sustained thermal stability and precise depth control, and supports electrode weights of up to 100kg (220 lbs.).
Makino EDNC-Series Sinker EDMs
Makino’s EDNC-Series sinker EDM machines, equipped with the new high-speed Z-axis technology, can produce deep ribs as fast as, or faster than, the smallest sinker EDM machines on the market. Automatic tool change and adaptive controls enable high levels of unattended machining without the need for operator intervention, and is further supported with advanced automatic jump machining controls to optimize debris removal without the need for external flushing.
The machine uses a space-saving design that incorporates the dielectric reservoir into the base casting, which saves on floor space while also improving the thermal stability of the machine. Most EDNC-Series machines have a full three-sided programmable drop tank with excellent ergonomic access to the machine for setups and operation. All machines feature a fully automatic fire-suppression systems, and use a special UV sensor as a first line of defense for added operational safety. Programming can be performed using the menu-driven touch screen advanced model plan or streamlined MPG conversational format systems. Both methods offer simple selection of machining conditions for workpiece and electrode material type, and the desired feature shape and surface finish. The machine also is designed with advanced menu-driven 2-D and 3-D orbital motion techniques that provide high accuracy and uniform surface finish results over the entire workpiece detail regardless of complexity.All EDNC-series sinker EDMs can be equipped with Makino’s proprietary High-Quality Surface Finish (HQSF) technology that yields achievable surface finish capabilities 50 percent better than that of conventional surface finishes, regardless of discharge surface area. Even when machining to standard/conventional surface finishes, the HQSF technology can yield a double-digit saving in cycle time.
For more information, visit Makino's website.