Product category:
EDM diesinking
News Release from: Agie Charmilles | Subject: Robofil 440 CleanCut submerged wire EDM
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 July 2006
Submerged wire-cut EDM gives high
surface finish
The characteristics of a submerged wire-cut EDM include quick cutting speeds (400mm2/min); superior surface finish (0.2 micron Ra) made a subcontractor's investment decision easy to make.
Market-leading EDM subcontract UK specialist Sheen Spark has recently invested in a new Charmilles Robofil 440 CleanCut submerged wire EDM machine The machine, only installed at Sheen Spark's Birmingham facility in March 2006, is already helping the company improve its competitiveness and maintain its position as a prime EDM subcontractor to the aerospace sector
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 17 May 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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(It is also being used to spearhead Sheen Spark's entry into other specialist EDM manufacturing sectors - medical device/components and motorsport).
The aerospace sector is tough and demanding - and at the sharp end of the sector are the many precision subcontractors manufacturing complex and performance-critical parts and components.
Pressures to reduce lead times and at the same time ensure, and improve, part quality (accuracy, surface finish etc) whilst reducing costs - all create production headaches which can often only be resolved by investing in cutting-edge technology.
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This was the situation confronting Sheen Spark.
To improve productivity and increase work throughput the company needed to embrace 24/7 operation and have, in-house, faster cutting and more flexible EDM machining capability in order to manage the manufacture of everything from components required in small batches right through to high-volume part production.
The solution for Sheen Spark was the R0bofil 440 CleanCut with integrated automation (workpiece palletisation and robot handling capability).
The investment in the CleanCut machine has immediately helped the company benefit from - faster job preparation and set ups, excellent process reliability and quicker job changeover.
Furthermore - because of the 440 CleanCut's performance characteristics that include quick cutting speeds (400mm2/min); superior surface finish (0.2 micron Ra) - plus the machine's powerful CleanCut generator that reduces the effects of electrolysis and virtually eliminates the creation of the recast layer - the investment decision for Sheen Spark was a relatively easy one to make.
But as well as wanting the Robofil 440 CleanCut machine - Sheen Spark was also looking to forge a strategic relationship with an EDM technology provider too.
Said Rod Sheen, managing director at Sheen Spark: "As well as getting the right machine - we also wanted to develop strong (mutually beneficial) partnerships with a knowledgeable and reliable EDM manufacturer.
AgieCharmilles GF, with its state-of-the art facilities in Coventry, excellent training provision and expert technical, applications and after-sales service and support - fitted the bill perfectly.".
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