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Supercritical Success for Medical Machining

High-pressure carbon dioxide coolant can dramatically improve the production rate of titanium parts while leaving no residue — an excellent fit for medical machining.

United Grinding Signs Agreement to Acquire GF Machining Solutions

United Grinding has signed an agreement to acquire the GF Machining Solutions division of Georg Fischer AG, aiming to establish a global presence in ultra-precision machining.

GF Machining Solutions Wire EDM Features Improved Thermal Stabilization

The Cut F 600 wire EDM features machining enhancements and functions to automatically identify and adapt wire speed during the wire EDM process.

New Look, New Feel, New Robots at System 3R

Are AMRs the next big trend in job shop automation? System 3R’s IMTS booth will emphasize both its specialty EDM tooling and its automation products, including an autonomous moving robot.

GF Machining Solutions' Smart Manufacturing System Boosts Production

GF Machining Solutions announces System 3R innovations in milling, laser, EDM, electrode manufacturing and automation, amongst others.

GF Machining Solutions Celebrates 70 Years of EDM Technology

GF Machining Solutions is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its discovery of EDM Technology.

Orthopedic Event Discusses Manufacturing Strategies

At the seminar, representatives from multiple companies discussed strategies for making orthopedic devices accurately and efficiently.

GF Machining Solutions Appoints New Managing Director

Onik Bhattacharyya will oversee the GF Machining Solutions product portfolio for the North American market region.

Where Micro-Laser Machining Is the Focus

A company that was once a consulting firm has become a successful micro-laser machine shop producing complex parts and features that most traditional CNC shops cannot machine.

GF Machining Solutions Platform Enables Remote Troubleshooting

The My rConnect provides a virtual link between a machine and the company’s service and support team, often eliminating the need for a technician to travel to a customer’s shop.

Hybrid Control Makes Lights-Out EDM More Accessible

This CNC enables EDMs to switch between G-code and an integrated CAM system to adapt to changing conditions and make lights-out manufacturing more attainable.

EDM, Laser Micromachining and More at GF Medical Demo Center

At GF’s Medical Center of Competence, the company shows off EDM and laser features that could make a large impact on medical manufacturing — and elsewhere.

Automation and Process Simplification Define Eastec 2023

Manufacturing technology at this year’s Eastec met the market with tools to streamline operations and assist machinists in achieving greater productivity.

GF Machining Solutions EDM Features Enhanced Control

The Cut F 600’s iWire function automatically identifies and adapts wire speed to changing erosion height conditions during the wire EDM process, eliminating wire breakage while reducing overall wire consumption.

GF Machining Solutions Relocates Parts Warehouse

The new facility near Indianapolis, Indiana, uses predictive intelligence to ensure availability as well as quick shipment of critical components.

GF Divisions Complete Construction of Mexico Facility

A grand opening event will be held on May 3, 2023, from 5:30-9:00 p.m. at the facility in Apodaca, Mexico.

GF Machining Solutions Plans to Open New Medical Manufacturing Facility

The new center will provide medicamanufacturers with applications support and production technologies, including precision milling, EDM, laser texturing, micromachining and automation

10 Ways Additive Manufacturing and Machining Go Together and Affect One Another

Forget “additive versus subtractive.” Machining and metal additive manufacturing are interconnected, and enhance the possibilities for one another. Here is a look at just some of the ways additive and machining interrelate right now.

Jorgensen Announces New Company President and COO

Karl Kleppek will head the company’s day-to-day operations and execute business development strategies for growth.

An Additive Manufacturing Machine Shop

Finish machining additively manufactured implants requires different pacing and workflow than cutting parts from stock — different enough for an experienced manufacturer to warrant a dedicated machine shop.

GF Machining Establishes Medical Center of Competency

Company has invested in medical manufacturing, establishing new center and appointing a medical business development manager, Donn Wuestenberg, to head its operations.

GF Machining Solutions Names New North America President

Chris Jones to be the company’s president and managing director of North America. He brings over 25 years of industry experience.

GF Machining Solutions Debuts Automation-Forward EDM

With more than 600 pre-programmed cutting processes, the Cut P 550 Pro covers a wide range of parts in materials such as steel, carbide, copper, aluminum, titanium, polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and graphite.

New Five-Axis Milling Machine, Horizontal Wire EDM for Medical

GF Machining Solutions’ Mikron Mill E 500 U five-axis milling machine and Cut AM 500 horizontal wire EDM are designed to work seamlessly alongside the company’s additive manufacturing systems for complete medical part processing and optimized workflow.

Velo3D Expands European Executive Team

Velo3D signals a commitment to advancing additive manufacturing and 3D printing systems overseas by adding two new executive team members in Europe.

GF Machining Offers OPC UA 1.0 Common Communication Solution

GF Machining now offers OPC UA version 1.0 as a cross-platform communication and connectivity solution, pushing closer to the Industry 4.0 ideal.

Holding Submicron Part Tolerances

Sunlight-Tech Inc. has used GF Machining Solutions’ Microlution laser micromachining and micro-milling centers to produce parts with tolerances tighter than 1 micron.

GF Machining Expands Direct Support Areas

GF Machining has announced that it will transition to direct sales and support, starting Jan. 1 for several states across the U.S.

Cutting AM Parts from Build Plate Turns Wire EDM Upside Down

GF Machining Solutions found it had to modify nearly every aspect of a wire EDM machine to efficiently handle the challenges of removing 3D printed parts from build plates. Here is a look at a machine tool developed entirely for the needs of metal additive manufacturing.

Hexagon VISI 2021 Improves CAD Analysis

Hexagon's VISI 2021 includes new analysis-shading modes to improve CAD analysis.

When Machining Lights Out Leaves Nothing Out

A Top Shops honors program winner strives to ensure every part crosses paths with a robot, cobot or pallet changer.

Air Casters Keep Shop Floors Damage-Free

Using air casters from AeroGo helps machine tool manufacturer AgieCharmilles, a division of GF Machining Solutions, move equipment around its showroom without denting or scratching its new epoxy floor.

AgieCharmilles Cut 2000 X Features Integrated Measurement for Edge Detection

The AgieCharmilles Cut 2000 X wire EDM from GF Machining Solutions is said to offer high accuracy and productivity for demanding applications.

GF Machining Solutions' Mikron HSM 200U LP Designed for Small Medical Shops

The HSM 200U LP machining center from GF Machining Solutions is available in three- and five-axis versions bringing speed, efficiency and precision to the machining of small medical components.

GF Machining Solutions' Spark Track Monitors, Adjusts EDM Wire for Irregular Shapes

GF Machining Solutions’ Spark Track technology for wire-cutting EDMs prevents wire breakage that occurs when cutting irregularly shaped workpiece features.

News of Note: Machine Redesign, CAM Credentials and Solar Energy

Among the industry news of note in October 2019 is GF Machining Solutions’ rebranding of its machines, a cutting tool technology expo coming up in November and a huge solar panel installation on which Toyoda has broken ground.

Additive Advances Highlighted at Grand Opening

GF Machining Solutions put its technology on display for its North American customers, highlighting advances in EDM spark monitoring and support for additive manufacturing technology.

GF Machining Solutions Introduces Updated Look to Its Machines

Products with the new design fully applied will have the LED-lit logo and technology identifier as well as additional color features.

GF Machining Solutions' rConnect Dasboard Collects, Compares Shop Data

GF Machining Solutions has introduced rConnect, a digital services platform powered by Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) protocol.

GF Machining Solutions Appoints New Leadership Roles

The former president of the Americas region has been promoted to head the global organization.

June 2019 Product Spotlight: Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)

This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on different types of electrical discharge machining equipment.

On Display at Eastec 2019

Here is an overview of some of the CNC machining and other technology showcased at the biennial manufacturing trade show.

May 2019 Product Spotlight: Machining Centers

This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on machining centers of varying capacities and configurations.

AgieCharmilles Cut C 350 and 600 Wire EDMs Deliver Cost-Effective Performance

GF Machining Solutions offers the AgieCharmilles Cut C 350 and Cut C 600 wire EDMs for U.S. manufacturers that want higher performance with lower operating costs.

AgieCharmilles Laser S Textures Parts with Greater Security

Shops that need an efficient surface texturing solution for product design and moldmaking may find the AgieCharmilles Laser S series from GF Machining Solutions to be the answer.

High-Speed Graphite Mill Features Temperature Compensation

GF Machining Solutions’ high-speed Mikron Mill S 400/500 Graphite and Mikron HSM 500 Graphite are dedicated specifically to graphite machining.

VMC Tackles Tough Materials, Complex Forms

IMTS 2018: The Mikron Mill P 500 U VMC from GF Machining Solutions offers powerful material removal capabilities, high stiffness, precision and good part surface finish.

June 2018 Product Spotlight: EDM

This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on electrical discharge machines (EDMs) tailored to a variety of industries.

Aerospace, Energy Machining Hub Supports Diverse Needs

Surrounded by defense contractors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), this GF Machining Solutions facility provides technology and expertise for applications ranging from specialty blade cutting to laser texturing.

High-Speed Milling Machine Handles Graphite Applications

To meet the demands of mold and die machining, GF Machining Solutions has unveiled the Mikron HSM 500 Graphite high-speed milling machine.

GF Machining Solutions Adds to Marketing, Sales Team

Dante Payva, Sammy Shabib, Heather Natal and Jon Carlson will support sales, service and support of the company’s milling, EDM and laser texturing solutions.

Additive, Subtractive Methods Build Injection Mold for Better Temperature Control

An injection mold insert made with a combination of metal 3D printing and machining is capable of variotherm temperature control for improved part quality.

EDM’s Optimized Pulses Reduce Electrode Wear

GF Machining Solutions’ Form P 350 die sinking EDM features precision-enhancing qualities and integrated technologies that are said to enhance productivity and profitability.

Compact EDM for Small Shops Delivers Consistent Accuracy

GF Machining Solutions’ new compact Form E 350 machine is a die-sinking EDM solution for small shops.

June 2017 Product Spotlight: EDM

This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on a variety of electrical discharge machining equipment.

New Tech, New Talent at GF Machining

This year’s annual open house marked the debut of not only a new series of wire EDMs, but also an apprenticeship program designed to serve as a pipeline of application and service engineers for years to come.

Wire EDM Offers More Than Just Precision

Among other benefits, these two shops have saved significant production time by using wire EDM for part-cutoff operations previously conducted on bandsaws.

Shop Grows Its EDM Machining Capabilities

Extreme Wire EDM Service Inc. could not efficiently machine large parts on its existing EDMs. The AgieCharmilles Cut P 1250 wire EDM solved this problem, reducing the time, effort and cost of setting up and producing the part.

GF Machining Solutions Hires Director of Business Development

Karl Kleppek will oversee sales, business development and marketing.

Mold Manufacturing Automation Leaves No Part Behind

The right mindset, the right five-axis technology and an intuitive approach to palletization help this mold shop extend automated control to the majority of its high-mix work.

Economical Clamping System Suits T-Slot, Grid-Pattern Tables

The System 3R Delphin Zero Point system from GF Machining Solutions is designed as an affordable clamping system for use during heavy milling operations on a variety of machine tools.

June 2016 Product Spotlight Slideshow: EDM

This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on electric discharge machines, or EDMs.

May 2016 Product Spotlight Slideshow: Laser & Waterjet

This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on machines for laser and waterjet cutting.

Saving Energy Synergistically

Energy-saving systems serve as an example of a machine tool functioning as a cyber physical system in which control loops are self-monitoring and self-adapting.

March 2016 Product Spotlight Slideshow: Machining Centers

This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on horizontal, vertical and five-axis machining centers.

“Smart” Generator Technology Makes EDM Operation Intuitive

GF Machining Solutions offers four generator features that enable users to input desired burning results into the CNC, and let the system do the rest.

December 2015 Product Spotlight Slideshow: Machining Centers

This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on machining centers.

Sinker EDM’s Toolchanger Holds 16 Electrodes

The AgieCharmilles Form 20 iRTC sinker EDM from GF Machining Solutions comes with an integrated rotary toolchanger (iRTC) to boost part processing flexibility while increasing capability for continuous, unattended operation.

Getting Acquainted with Scott Fosdick

Scott is the new head of Market Region Americas for GF Machining Solutions, the brand that includes Agie Charmilles (EDM and laser texturing), Mikron (high-performance milling), System 3R (automation and tooling) and Leichti (five-axis milling machine for blades and blisks) and Step-Tec (machine tool spindles). I had the opportunity to meet Scott and get acquainted at the company’s Open House “Solutions Days” last week. Here is my report.

Protection System Saves Spindles During Collisions

Collisions on a VMC can cause costly damage to the spindle as well as other machine parts, which prompted GF Machining Solutions to develop its Machine and Spindle Protection (MSP) feature.

Wire EDMs Equipped with Moldmaking Features

GF Machining Solutions’ AgieCharmilles Cut 200/300 MoldTech series of wire EDMs is designed to meet the needs of moldmakers.

Swiss Technology Tour

A recent Switzerland tour organized by the NTMA revealed insights on machine and spindle collision protection, fluids for deep-hole drilling and more.

EDM Drilling Unit Improves Production for Aerospace Manufacturer

This shop utilized a hole-drilling EDM to improve setup time, manage labor hours and provide faster turnaround.

Wire EDM for Jet Engine “Fir Trees”

Advances in wire EDM (electrical discharge machining) technology have made it acceptable for machining critical aerospace parts. It may now become the preferred method for cutting turbine disc “fir trees,” a particularly demanding application that highlights the benefits of this machining process.

Houstex 2015 Preview Slideshow

Click through the slideshow to see a selection of technologies to be displayed at Houstex in advance of the February 24-26 trade show.

GF Machining Solutions Opens “Center of Competence” Facility in SoCal

The company’s 106,000-square-foot facility includes machine demonstration space, customer training rooms, and resources for sales, service and applications staff for West Coast customers.

HMI Designed for Wire EDM

The AC Cut human-machine interface (HMI) from GF Machining Solutions provides a common language for the company’s Cut line of wire EDM machines.

High-Speed Machining Center for Mold and Die

The Mikron HSM 500 MoldMaster from GF Machining Solutions is intended for a range of mold and die-related applications, such as production of steel mold cores, hot pressing dies and sinker-EDM electrodes.

March 2014 Product Spotlight: Machining Centers

This slideshow features the machining centers we cover in the Modern Equipment Review Spotlight section in our March issue.

Introducing GF Machining Solutions

Georg Fischer AG, the global industrial firm based in Switzerland, has a new name for the division that supplies well-known brands of electrical discharge machines, high speed milling, automation/tooling, spindles and more.

Five-Axis Milling Machine for Aerospace, Defense

The Mikron HEM 500U high-efficiency milling machine from GF AgieCharmilles offers high-performance five-axis capabilities designed for efficient, accurate cutting of aluminum, alloys and steel.

A Smooth Transition to Five-Axis Machining

A mold manufacturer that specializes in precision, thin-walled container molds chose an integrated approach to establishing an effective five-axis “3 + 2” machining process.

Diesinking EDMs Feature New HMI

GF AgieCharmilles’ Form 20 and Form 30 sinker EDMs are equipped with the company’s AC Form human machine interface (HMI) said to shorten the learning curve for beginner EDM operators.

Five-Axis Milling Machine for High Speed Operations

GF AgieCharmilles will highlight its five-axis HEM 500U featuring an optional Mikron handling system and Heidenhain control.

Die-Sinker EDM Increases Precision

Designed for micromachining, the Form 200 mS die-sinking EDM from GF AgieCharmilles is well-suited for applications such as molds for integrated circuits, cavities for light-emitting diodes and detailed connector forms.

High-Speed Milling of Small, Complex Parts

GF AgieCharmilles' Mikron HSM 200U LP (linear performance) milling machine is said to increase speed, efficiency, precision.

Five-Axis Machine for Continuous Milling

GF AgieCharmilles’ five-axis HEM 500U features a dynamic 12,000-rpm spindle and 30-tool magazine providing a chip-to-chip time of 2 sec.

Sixty Years of EDM

GF AgieCharmilles has been involved in EDM technology for some 60 years now. Its recent International Technology Show in Losone, Switzerland was a good place to sense the history and current status of this technology.

GF AgieCharmilles ITS

Guests from around the world gathered at GF AgieCharmilles’ main building in Losone, Switzerland, for the company’s International Technology Show, March 19-23, 2013. More than 700 users attended the event.

Five-Axis Machine for Aerospace, Defense

The high-efficiency Mikron HEM 500U from GF AgieCharmilles provides five-axis capabilities for accurate and reliable parts production.

High Speed Milling Machine for Small, Complex Parts

The Mikron HSM 200U LP milling machine from GF AgieCharmilles is available in three- and five-axis versions.

Three-Axis VMC for Medium- to Large-Sized Parts

The Mikron HEM 800 three-axis VMC from GF AgieCharmilles is designed for high-precision production of medium- to large-sized parts for industries ranging from aerospace to electronics to die and mold.

Moving in with a Customer

Shop owner Chris Nachtmann has established a close relationship with one of his biggest customers. In fact, he moved his operation inside that customer’s facility a couple years ago. Now, he’s making greater strides to invest in and grow his business.

EDM Economizes Stamping Tool Production

High part volumes tend to be the norm for providers of stamping services, but the nearly 1 billion electrical contact connectors produced last year at Scenic Tool and Stamping aren’t such typical fare.

GF AgieCharmilles Becomes a CCAM Member

As part of its membership to the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), GF AgieCharmilles supplied the Prince George County facility with an FO 550 sp die-sinking EDM.

Fixtures Dovetail with Five-Axis Automation

Along with an in-house-designed line of custom dovetail fixtures, machines with the right features for automation provide benefits for both this five-axis specialist and its customers.

Die Sinker EDM Features Rotary Tool Changer

GF AgieCharmilles’ Form 200 mS die sinker EDM machine features a modular, rotary tool changer for increased flexibility and lights-out, micromachining applications.

Automatic Wire EDM Efficiently Machines Micro Parts

GF AgieCharmilles’ Cut 2000 EDM features automatic wire-changing capabilities and is said to be well-suited for micromachining applications.

Auto EDM Wire Changers Compete at the High End

Automatic EDM wire-change capability can improve efficiency and reduce costs for high-end tool and die work, especially parts with small internal radii.

Five-Axis Mill Features Linear Motor Technology

The Mikron HSM 600U LP high-speed milling center from GF AgieCharmilles uses linear motor technology to provide simultaneous five-axis, high-speed machining.

Cell Controller Boosts Production Flexibility

By serving as the “brains” of a cell consisting of two machining centers and a work delivery system, cell control software from Erowa helps this manufacturer run lights-out 24/7 and achieve 90-percent spindle utilization.

Laser Sintering and EDM: Complementary Processes?

An EDM machine from GF AgieCharmilles proves effective in separating laser-sintered parts from their base plate.

A Novel EDM Application

GF AgieCharmilles designed the FO 550 SP die-sinking EDM, the company probably never imagined it would be used like this.

EDM, Five-Axis Milling Technologies

The CUT 200 wire EDM is designed to provide faster spark-to-spark wire threading, increase energy efficiency and boost productivity when cutting parts of variable heights.

Special High-Temp Alloys Spark Interest in EDM

Today’s wire EDM technology preserves the surface integrity of proprietary titanium alloys and other high-temperature materials, so aerospace and medical applications using this process are booming.

EDM Energy Conservation Without the Effort

Most machine tool energy conservation systems simply track power consumption, placing the burden of actually reducing energy use on manufacturers. GF AgieCharmilles aims to change that with the EconoWatt II, an automated system for wire EDM.

Five-Axis Mill Features Linear Motor Technology

The HSM 400U LP high speed milling machine from AgieCharmilles is designed to provide simultaneous five-axis, high speed machining and deliver powerful performance and precision.

Tips for Controlling Oxidation and Pitting on a Wire EDM

Additives, machine settings, workpiece materials and current technology are factors in avoiding common problems with unwanted rust and surface defects.

Wire EDM Improves Throughput, Surface Finish

This manufacturer insulates itself from global competitors by focusing on high-quality products across a range of industries. Just as important, however, is routine investment in new technology. The company’s latest acquisition, the AC Progress VP2 wire EDM from GF AgieCharmilles, has significantly reduced cycle time and improved throughput on the company’s precision stamping dies.

This Golf Ball Mold is Really Cool

Producing this golf ball mold (left) involved both additive and subtractive manufacturing processes working together in an integrated fashion.

Find Your Speed Outside of Machining

This short-lead-time mold shop achieves its most significant time savings by looking outside the machining cycle. However, one of those elements outside the cycle—palletized setup—ultimately led to cycle time savings via five-axis machining.

Surface Texturing with Laser Ablation

Much of a product’s appeal to the consumer has to do with its look and feel—literally, the texture of its visible surface.

Aluminum Molds In Three Weeks Or Less

While aluminum molds are commonly used to create prototypes or to serve as stopgap bridge tooling, they are starting to receive greater attention for production work. This shop’s approach to creating aluminum molds in one day to three weeks is the same for each of these situations.

Wire-Cut EDM For Oil Dielectric

GF AgieCharmilles’ CUT 1000 OilTech wire-cut EDM is designed for precision machining of materials better-suited to oil dielectric than water-based dielectric. The EDM is equipped with built-in thermo stabilization.

High-Speed, High Performance Medical Machining

GF AgieCharmilles’ Mikron HSM 400U ProdMed is a high-speed, high-performance machining center that is especially suited for medical manufacturing. The center includes a Heidenhain iTNC 530 control system and smart machining modules that provide advanced levels of monitoring critical to the production of medical implants and equipment, the company says. The system allows the machine to automatically check and evaluate tools and workpieces, inspect tools for breakage and perform measurements of the workpiece.

Exploring Niches With New EDM Technologies

A shop specializing in wire EDM for large mold components now offers EDM “turning” of small, intricate parts. Despite the potential risks involved in early adoption of new technologies, the shop believes this practice gives it a leg-up on the competition and lets it gain experience with alternative machining techniques before offering them to customers.

How To Handle Tall Wire EDM Work

Modular workpiece fixturing plays a vital role in this shop’s quest to win larger, more difficult wire EDM jobs.

Eliminating Benchwork For Large Mold Surfaces

EDM dielectric additives can subtract labor costs for mold makers by eliminating the need for secondary hand polishing.

Plug-And-Play EDM

This ram EDM unit was designed with a number of EDM "reduction" trends in mind-reduced floorspace requirements, rate of electrode wear and operation learning curve.

Incremental Automation Pays Dividends

While successful mold makers agree that automation is necessary to remain competitive, they often have different opinions about how to integrate automation. This mold maker does it in gradual phases, and in doing so, it drives shopfloor workers to roles of greater responsibility.

High Speed Wire Cutting Needs High Efficiency Filtration

High speed cutting with wire electrical discharge machining produces debris in the dielectric at a high rate. Without effective filtration, a wire machine quickly loses its ability to maintain high cutting speed, achieve the desired surface finish and obtain expected dimensional accuracy. Charmilles' approach to solving this problem has been to develop a filtration system that doubles the number of filter cartridges, from two to four.

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