Product category:
Vertical machining centres (VMC)
News Release from: Agie Charmilles | Subject: Mikron HSM 300 graphite machining cnetre
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 07 August 2006
Machining centre designed to 3D-mill
graphite
Machining centre, especially designed for machining graphite, has a polymer concrete base for extra stability, reduced vibration and reduced thermal shift for machining complex 3D forms.
Unlike other 'supposed' machines on the market the HSM 300 has been designed for machining graphite - and that's exactly what it does How do you turn a machining centre designed for cutting metal into one that can deliver exceptional results when machining graphite? The answer is not as simple as it might seem! Indeed according to market-leading milling machine tool specialist Mikron - part of Agie Charmilles - the question is a bit of a 'red-herring' because it assumes that through retrofitting dust extraction systems and improving seals and interfaces between the working area and the machine's mechanical components, guides, measurement systems etc - a 'silk purse can be created from a sow's ear'
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 17 May 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
EDM automation investment halves downtime
Parkside Tool and Die Co. is already reaping the benefits of its latest investment in an integrated Agie Evolution2 with 16 station 3R Workpal automated EDM and work-handling solution.
Wire EDM adds competitive gain
With EDM wire cutting, especially with the Agie cut Evolution and Agie tron Innovation machines, Christian Dunkel ocquired a decisive competitive advantage in jig and fixture manufacture.
But when one considers the abrasive characteristics of graphite and the damaging impact that graphite dust and particles have on accuracy, tool and spindle life - and overall machine performance, etc (especially when graphite is being machined frequently) - one may question whether 'traditional' milling machines are really the best option for machining graphite.
Rather than attempt to adapt existing milling machines to handle graphite machining - Mikron has started from the other end of the spectrum.
With the company's extensive knowledge, experience and pedigree in the mould tool and die industry - it's not surprising that the aptly-named HSM 300 GraphiteMaster - has been built, from the bottom-up, with the sole intention of providing the optimum machining solution for graphite electrode manufacture.
Further reading
Agie Announces 3 new Die Sinking Machines
Swiss EDM manufacturer Agie has unveiled three new die-sinking machines: Agietron Exact, Impact and Advance machines which are each available in two sizes and with a variety of optional features.
Mach 2000 winners go to the sports
Four lucky companies have won tickets to premier UK sporting events this summer in a competition draw organised by the Agie Charmilles Group at the MACH 2000 exhibition held at the NEC.
EDM wins for racing car component maker
Mannesmann Sachs, a manufacturer of specialist, short run automotive components for Formula 1 cars and prototypes, has invested in the latest Agie EDM machine tools for prototyping and production.
The machine, like all of Mikron's high-performance and high-speed machining centres has a polymer concrete base for extra stability, reduced vibration and reduced thermal shift.
This material also displays excellent damping characteristics - far in excess of that offered by cast iron.
This rigid structure combined with digital drive technology ensure accurate and fast machining - especially required when machining complex 3D contours, shapes, etc Linear jigs and high-accuracy digital drive technology ensure precise positioning and fast acceleration on X, Y and Z axes (17m/s2 - equating to 1.7G).
Equipped with a heavy duty (HSK 40 6kW 30,000 rev/min) spindle - the GraphiteMaster is inherently versatile and can handle a multitude of machining tasks using small cutting tools down to 0.2mm in diameter for fine finishing work - right through to 13mm tools for roughing operations.
To increase the machine's flexibility still further the HSM 300 has a large tool change capability.
The standard fit ATC has 18 positions (pick-up type).
Alternatively this can be increased to a 27 position tool changer provided by Mikron as an option.
And again - like all Mikron's high-performance machining centres - the HSM 300 is equipped with the Heidenhain iTNC 530 control for fast, high-precision and straightforward machining.
To ensure effective and efficient machining of graphite electrodes - the HSM 300 is equipped with a powerful dust extraction unit and extraction frame as standard.
Here compressed air, directed through nozzles and positioned all around the spindle, remove dust particles as soon as they are created.
When metal, as opposed to graphite, is being machined the extraction frame can be removed quickly and easily - it can be re-installed back again when graphite machining takes place.
In addition the machine's casing panels have as a few joints as possible and are protected by rubber seals thereby reducing ingress.
The doors seal off the machine casing completely when closed through the use of such seals thereby ensuring a dust-free working environment.
For manufacturers who are increasingly using graphite to manufacture electrodes - the HSM 300 GraphiteMaster provides a custom built machining solution.
• Agie Charmilles: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
