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Machine Tools/EDM
October 2008 |

GF AgieCharmilles' FO550S is a diesinking EDM from the company's "Speed Edition" range. It allows users to increase productivity and enables fine, shiny surface finishes (= 0.4 µm) of unmatched homogeneity, claims the company. With the movement speed of the Z axis multiplied by two (295 in/min) and acceleration increased by five (197 in/s 2), the FO550S excels in "blade" type applications and pre-roughed 3D cavities.

The EDM has a double thermostabilization system, a world first in preventing the impact of temperature variations, allowing for maximum accuracy. Pulsed air, circulating in the cabin, is cooled in real time according to the temperature of the dielectric, by a double differential temperature probe. The whole of the main frame and the X, Y and Z axes are thermostabilized in the same way as the whole of the machine. Circulation of the dielectric is integrated into the worktable, which prevents the risk of thermal shocks when filling the tank.

The DPControl is designed to suggest ideal electrode undersize and rationalize the number of electrodes necessary for effective machining. The system also allows direct access to measurements performed on a preset station and allows for organization of jobs according to the users priorities. Additionally, DPControl enables close monitoring with the automated production features of Expert Systems, and all information related to machining status can be transmitted directly to the operator via SMS. The system also evaluates a completed job by automatically creating a full report on job execution readily accessible to the operator via the network or directly on the machine.

GF AgieCharmilles also equipped the machine with Accura-C, a high precision C-axis that provides a dramatic increase of positioning accuracy, ensuring down to 3.6 Arc seconds. To counteract the effects of pulsation movements in the dielectric fluid and increase stability, the C-axis is built to withstand maximum inertia of up to 1708 lbs in 2 . This boosts productivity and allows precise machining with electrodes weighing up to 110 lbs. Additionally, Accura-C features a liquid cooling system to eliminate inaccuracy from thermal instability.

A Renishaw probe is available as an option with the FO550S. This high precision measurement probe ensures perfectly accurate positioning to within a micron, by using optical transmission from a light beam. This optical probe is more precise and reliable than an electrical touch system.

www.gfac.com/us

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