Agie Charmilles fast tool change system speeds EDM

EDM, milling and laser ablation machine tool specialist GF AgieCharmilles has launched a new range of ultra-quick tool changer - FTC (Fast Tool Changers), which are now available as an optional fit on a number of its EDM spark erosion machines.

The FTC capability means that EDM electrode change can be completed in just 15 seconds (spark-to-spark), significantly reducing cycle times. Prior to the introduction of GF AgieCharmilles' FTC technology, the best spark-to-spark tool change times that could be achieved on die-sink machines were around 40-45 seconds.

"FTC really come into its own when machining small, multi-cavity jobs and parts with a number of intricate features, and where erosion times are short," explains Martin Spencer, managing director at Agie Charmilles, Coventry.

"In these scenarios, the FTC changes tools between sparks in less than 15 seconds...and that includes the time to move the correct tool into place, release it, and grasp the next tool. In the competitive world of EDM manufacturing, the FTC demonstrates that it really is the case that every second counts."

The FTC provides manufacturers with a 20-position magazine with a maximum electrode weight of 7 kg per position.

Fast Tool Changers are available as optional fits on GF AgieCharmilles' FORM 200 and FORM 400 spark erosion machines.

Author
Andrew Allcock

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