Wire EDMs Combine Speed, Precision

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the FANUC RoboCut α-CiB series of wire EDMs are designed for high precision, fast rapid traverse rates and expedited setups.

The series includes the C400iB, C600iB and C800iB machines, the latter of which accommodates parts as heavy as 5,000 lbs and as large as 49.2" × 38.4" × 11.8". All machines feature positioning accuracy of 0.0002" and repeatability of 0.0001". To maintain this precision, thermal displacement compensation technology accounts for temperature fluctuations that can distort the casting. The wire EDM column and lower arm are fixed so the table and workpiece move rather than the column. 

The 3D Compensation Function reduces the need for indicating-in workpieces, enabling the operator to measure the flatness of the workpiece and automatically tilts the wire to make it perpendicular to the surface of the work, reducing setup time. Core Stitch slug retention prevents slugs from dropping and eliminates the need for clamps, further increasing efficiency. 

All machines employ the FANUC series 31i-WB wire EDM CNC 15.1" LCD touchscreen, iHIMI (Intelligent Human Machine Interface), large program storage capacity, and remote PC access from handheld or desktop devices. Cut Linki remote machine monitoring software version 2.1 monitors as many as 32 FANUC wire EDMs, providing information on consumable life, machine efficiency, utilization time and maintenance.