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Product category: EDM wire cutting
News Release from: 600 Centre | Subject: Robocut Alpha-1iB wire cut electro-discharge m/c
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial Team on 25 September 2002

Wire EDM capacity and performance
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The capacity, specification and performance of a wire cut electro-discharge machine has been extwended, following the fitting of a new control system and MF generator.

Fanuc has extended the capacity, specification and performance of its new Robocut Alpha-1iB wire cut electro-discharge machine (EDM) With the fitment of Fanuc's latest FS 180is-WB control and MF generator, the new large capacity machine is able to carry a workpiece weighing up to one tonne

The machine is also able to provide higher accuracy than before at cutting rates up to 330mm2/min and carry out a fully automatic wire feed while submerged inside 15 seconds.

Now available from 600 Centre of Shepshed near Loughborough, the latest version of the top-selling Robocut can be specified with an optional workpiece capacity of 1000mm by 730mm by 400mm.

In standard capacity, the machine will accept workpieces 820mm by 730mm by 300mm and has a cutting stroke of 550mm by 370mm giving an additional 30mm of stroke to the X-axis.

And, in this standard specification, the new Fanuc requires 17 per cent less floor space than the previous A-Series machine.

Productivity is enhanced with faster automatic wire feed which can be carried out when submerged on workpieces up to 300mm thick.

This now takes just 15 seconds, some 20 seconds faster than the previous generation machine.

The machine is now able to carry a 16kg bobbin of wire which enables unmanned running to be extended to 125 hours when using 0.2mm diameter wire, 80 hours with 0.25mm wire and 55 hours with 0.mm wire.

With the latest Fanuc FS 180is-WB five-axis control and 12.1 inch screen, a new operating panel, and i 'pulse' power supply, cutting rates up to 330mm2/min can be performed using 0.3mm coated wire and 300mm2/min with standard brass wire of 0.3mm diameter.

Non-electrolysis AC cutting, which is a feature of the new MF generator, 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.

Indeed, surface roughness better than 0.7 micro metres can be attained.

With the latest AI corner control, wire deflection is minimised and precise path control ensures maximum profile and corner accuracy.

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.

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.

Travels for U and V axes are + 60mm and maximum taper angles for material up to 400mm thick is + 30 (degrees) by 80mm with an option of + 45 (degrees) by 40mm with automatic compensation.

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