Submerged Wire EDM Expands Capacity

The AU-1440iA Z800 submerged wire EDM From Absolute Machine Tools is designed to quickly and accurately process large as well as smaller parts. Its X-, Y- and Z axis capacity of 55.11" × 39.1" × 39.1" (1,378 × 787 × 787 mm) enables it to accommodate workpieces ranging to 68.5" × 42.5" × 31.29" (1,712 × 1,062 × 782 mm). The wire EDM is equipped with AccuteX’s automatic wire threading (AWT) system said to boost machining speed by accomplishing fast submerged rethreading at the break point. When wire breakage occurs, rethreading takes place without dielectric drainage/refilling, resulting in spark-to-spark times as fast as 15 sec.

The machine structure includes a Meehanite cast honeycomb-type base, highly-ribbed column mounted with oversized UVZ axis, and a reinforced lower-arm to increase stiffness. To maximize durability, the 5.9" (148 mm) U and V axes are protected in a cabinet located above the working area. All castings are stabilized to ensure maximum strength, reliable high precision and long durability when machining workpieces as heavy as 7,473 kg (16,440 lbs). The rigid structure and 20-mm C1 Class U-V ballscrews provide repeatable precision at the high flushing pressures necessary for high-speed cutting. A hardened stainless steel workpiece-mounting table is designed to function as a standard clamping system and can also accommodate any commercial clamping system. The system also includes a scrap wire disposal unit.

A 64-bit Windows CE Based PC CNC system drives machine axes via closed loop, direct-coupled AC servomotors with Heidenhain linear glass scale feedback system. The machine’s Hiwin linear guideways are said to reduce friction and vibration for more accurate motion. Positioning accuracy is ±0.00012" and repeatability is ±0.00008" in the X and Y axes, the company says.