Improved sparking - EDM technology update

Marshalls Hard Metals Ltd (MHM), Sheffield, the UK's second largest producer of tungsten carbide products, has acquired two Sodick CNC EDMs (024 7651 1677): a new AQ35L die-sink machine and a refurbished AQ325L wire erosion model. The former has helped recall work from subcontractors, while the latter is the company's first wire EDM and is helping create new business opportunities. Tungsten carbide prices have doubled in the past year alone and, to help negate the rise, the company is investmenting, with EDM?the latest target. "We use EDM to manufacture the dies that press the parts for customers in the mining, quarrying and oilfield industries," explains the company's technical manager, Nigel Thomas. "We had an older die-sink EDM, but it had become somewhat unreliable – we also wanted to bring more of our die manufacture in-house, as we also use subcontractors with EDM capacity." "Iin sample cuts on carbide, it was clear that the Sodick AQ35L was superior, in terms of the quality produced," says Mr Thomas. "In combination with the knowledge, back-up and service on offer from Sodi-Tech EDM, our decision was made." Installed in the autumn of 2010, the Sodick AQ35L has helped MHM bring back a significant percentage of previously subcontracted work. Image: The Sodick AQ35L has helped MHM bring back a significant percentage of previously subcontracted work All of the dies are one-offs and the machines are often set to run unmanned, overnight, a strategy that helps minimise labour costs and make use of lower cost energy. "Due to the quality and surface finish offered by the AQ35L, we have also noticed a significant reduction in the amount of requirement for post-process polishing," says Mr Thomas. "Again, this helps keep labour input to a minimum." The machine is also used to undertake die repairs, and usually these are required quickly, in order to keep production flowing. "We can't afford downtime, so, in terms of EDM operations to repair press dies, the quicker the better," Mr Thomas stresses. "Fortunately, our new AQ35L is around twice as fast as our previous die-sink EDM [not Sodick], which makes us far more responsive to these situations." The other machine acquired by MHM, a refurbished Sodick AQ325L, is the company's first experience of wire EDM and this also has not only helped recall previously subcontracted operations, but has also presented an opportunity to attract new types of business. "We are very pleased with both our Sodick machines," confirms Mr Thomas. "We've had no reliability issues whatsoever and we're anticipating a quick return on our investment." News in brief [] New Joemars wire machines from Eurospark are offered at prices starting at under £40,000. The WT4, WT5, WT6 are based on the successful 455 and 655, with the WT5 a new model sized between the two. [] Coventry-based manufacturer of bandsaw and circular saw blades KR Saws is using a Loroch K850 circular saw blade grinding centre from Vollmer UK (0115 9491040) to meet the challenge of providing more sophisticated product and increased capacity. The arrival of the 3-axis CNC Loroch Solution in September 2010, the first Loroch K850 installation in the UK, has proven a revelation. As KR Saws managing director, Paul Ison, comments: "Our strategy of providing high quality products, with unrivalled technical support and service, is heavily dependent upon our production capabilities and capacity. The Loroch K850 acquisition has solved issues, improving our accuracy and repeatability, and provides the technical team with the ability to offer a more diverse range of bespoke solutions." Prior to the arrival of the Loroch K850, the company required two machines to produce a finished saw blade. The Loroch K850 has immediately improved production cycle times and tooth geometry accuracy through its ability to grind the teeth and bevels in one set-up. First published in Machinery, October 2011