Product category:
Control systems for metalforming machines and equipment
News Release from: ACI (UK)
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 30 March 2001
EDM benefits from DRO
A wide variety of companies are benefiting from the powerful yet user-friendly characteristics of Anilam's Wizard digital readout (DRO) systems for electro-discharge machining, says the company.
A wide variety of companies of every size and in every industry sector are benefiting from the powerful yet user-friendly characteristics of Anilam's Wizard digital readout (DRO) systems for electro-discharge machining, says the company Available off-the-shelf to suit two- to four-axis solid spark erosion applications, Wizard DROs have continually built on their reputation for offering cost-effective solutions for a wide range of EDM applications
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Sep 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Designed specifically as a cost-effective retrofit system that fills the gap between manual and CNC operation, a control that has transformed the performance of manual borers has been updated.
And the latest release - the 900E model - features a number of 'smart technology' features at no extra cost to further improve the functionality of these easy-to-use systems.
With integral Spark Out, Three Axis Mode and SparkArrest(tm) functions - for dwell sparking, z axis distance to go/target/actual readings, and the elimination of sparking outside the electrolyte, respectively - the 900E combines with Anilam's EverTrackTM absolute reference system to present unrivalled specification and performance at an unbeatable price.
In particular, Anilam DROs for EDM have scored notable OEM sales successes with both Charmilles Technologies and Derek Robinson Machine Tools.
Further reading
Tool/workpiece probing cycles added to controls
ACI is including tool and workpiece probing cycles as standard features on its Anilam 6000 Series multi-axis CNC system.
Milling in two/three axis cost-effectively
Demonstrations of a two-/three-axis CNC for intuitive knee-type milling operations will highlight the system's cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Measuring distance and position accurately
As well as demonstrating four-axis DROs, a range of linear scales will also serve to reinforce both the accuracy and performance benefits of its glass linear encoder technology.
As Andrew Kilshaw, national sales manager at Charmilles Technologies, points out: "The use of Anilam DRO on our solid sink Form 2-LC and 4-LC models is proving ideal for all types of applications - whether complex four-axis sinking or for relatively simple two-axis tasks.
"For example," he continues, "first time EDM users, mouldmakers, and suppliers to the communications and connector industries are benefiting from our powerful yet affordable machine-DRO package in producing a range of high-precision products, while OEMs are also using Form machines to advantage." Promoted by Charmilles Technologies as compact, versatile and economical, the Form machines feature X, Y and Z axes travels of 300 mm by 200 mm by 300 mm (2-LC) and 500 mm by 400 mm by 500 mm (4-LC), have tables of 500 mm by 350 mm and 300 mm by 500 mm, respectively, and boast 50 Amp and 75 Amp generators.
Derek Robinson Machine Tools' managing director Phil Burdett, says Anilam systems are now being specified as standard on the company's range of CHMER EDM die sinkers following the recent installation of three model CM323MH machines at a customer in Birmingham.
With X,Y and Z axes travels of 300 mm by 200 mm by 200 mm, the CHMER CM323MH machine has a table area of 500 mm by 350 mm and is rated at 50 or 75 Amps.
Like all Anilam DROs, the EDM systems are of solid diecast construction (instead of the traditional high-impact plastic casing) to significantly increase durability, and feature vacuum fluorescent displays for clear messaging.
But for users of Wizard 900E systems, three recent developments in particular have pushed the technology boundaries.
The Three-Z-Axis Mode allows the 900E to be switched from the usual X, Y, Z display to show only those values of interest during the Z cycle - ie distance to go to target depth, target depth and actual position.
The Three Z-Axis Mode can be automatically triggered at the first spark.
The Spark Out function allows the 900E to dwell at the target depth to create the desired finish.
Anilam's own innovative safety feature, SparkArrest will block sparks if the electrode exceeds a certain distance from the workpiece, therefore eliminating the risk of sparking.
Available with the RBS and RBM linear encoder scales, EverTrack always keeps track of the position - even if the power is interrupted - and so eliminates the need for awkward battery back-up solutions.
EverTrack utilises a reference index track comprising two sets of marks.
Each set has the same distance between its own marks while the relationship between each set is unique.
Thus by moving across two marks anywhere on the scale the system will know exactly where it is.
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