CNC International reveals new portfolio of EDM die-sink, wire-cut and hole drilling units and more

As sole UK & Eire agents, CNC International will be selling new wire erosion machines from Seibu (Japan) and Accutex (Taiwan), die-sink EDM machines from Exeron (German) and Neuar (Taiwan), high speed milling machines (also from Exeron) and EDM fast hole drilling machines from Shiang Yang (Taiwan). CNC International currently has a team of seven service personnel and two applications engineers directly employed to support customers on both new used machine tool sales. A family-run firm, CNC International was originally set up as a service specialist in 1982 to care for EDM and wire-cut EDM machines. The company expanded in to used machine tool sales in 2005, with this latest venture part of a continuing expansion plan for the company. Seibu invented the world's first CNC wire-cut EDM (WEDM) in 1972 and has been an innovation leader ever since. For example, its recently released Core Stitch function uses standard brass wire to weld the workpiece slug back in place during the cutting process to eliminate the need for tagging the core and subsequent detagging cycles. The new process greatly reduces cycle time and decreases the risk of machine collisions. The welded cores can be removed by tapping lightly once the cycle is finished. An advanced auto-wire-thread system sees the possibility of threading a 0.05 mm wire through a 0.08 mm start hole. In standard form, this AWT system can rethread the wire at break point, which Seibu patented over 15 years ago, while still submerged - a key requirement, if using the Core Stitch function. Seibu machines are manufactured using the traditional scraping technique, known as 'Kisage', to ensure the highest possible accuracy and reliability. For example, the Seibu Super MM50AG machine boasts a pitch cutting accuracy of just ±1 micron over the full 500 mm of travel. Continuing to innovate, Seibu will stage the European release of the Seibu M25LP Oil machine at this year's EMO show, in September. This machine is capable of achieving surface finishes of less than Ra 0.04 micron Seibu is one of few WEDM manufacturers whose machines are still 100% made in Japan. CNC International's second WEDM offer comes from Accutex Technologies. Established in 2001, Accutex focuses solely on producing high value WEDM machines and is one of the largest such producers in Taiwan. Offering machines to suit most budgets and size requirements, from entry level machines to large capacity machines with massive 600 mm Z axis travel, Accutex is able to offer cost savings of between £20,000 and £40,000, when compared to machines of equal specification from other well-known brands, it is claimed. All machines are fitted with Heidenhain linear scales and laser calibrated to ensure accuracy. The automatic wire feed and threading system, fitted as standard to all machines, has been designed and produced in-house. Made to provide reliable unmanned operation, it supports threading the wire at the point of the breakage while still submerged. An in-house designed Windows CE controller provides an easy-to-use-yet-powerful control system, with programs being imported either via an Ethernet connection or USB port. Standard machines vary from 350 by 250 by 220mm travel to very large machines of 1,100 by 650 by 600 mm travel (X, Y, Z). At EMO in September, Accutex is introducing a new AL range of machines equipped with linear motors. Turning to Exeron GmbH, this company produces high quality EDM and high speed milling machines made in Germany, which have, it is claimed, become renowned around the globe for their accuracy, reliability and high performance. All machines feature a polymer concrete base to ensure both accuracy and thermal rigidity. The HSC range features both 3- and 5-axis simultaneous high speed milling. They are equipped with Heidenhain iTNC530 control and feature Exeron's unique Advanced Surface Quality (ASQ) control as standard. Using ASQ, surface finishes of Ra 0.08 micron can be achieved in hardened steel - results that were traditionally only achievable on machines with hydrostatic drives. Exeron's HSC200 machine is said to be the ideal electrode manufacture system, featuring a travel of 200 by 250 by 250 mm, a 42,000 rpm spindle, built-in graphite dust extraction and a footprint of just 2,200 by 1,800 mm. The HSC200 can also be cost-effectively partnered with an automation system to provide non-stop production of over 100 electrodes. The company's EDM machines are aimed at precision mould and component manufacturers. A range of machine sizes is offered, with parts up to 2,500 mm accommodated, without compromising accuracy. All Exeron EDM machines feature the ExoPuls near-zero wear EDM generator, with high material removal rates and minimal wear, thus reducing electrode costs. ExoPuls, along with the powerful and user friendly MF30 control, enables even the most complex mould tools to be manufactured easily and efficiently, says CNC International. Neuar die-sink EDM machines are available to suit most budgets - basic small manual machines to very large twin-head CNC machines. All machines are fitted with Heidenhain linear scales on all axes, as standard. With many advanced features, such as C-axis, automatic tool changing and advanced orbit functions, normally associated with much higher priced machines, Neaur is able to offer "outstanding value and cost savings of thousands of pounds" over many equivalent specification machines. The large scale machines, in particular, which offer up to 2 m of travel in the X-axis are available for under £100,000, for example. Finally, Shiang Yang manufactures a wide range of machines, from basic entry-level manual machines to 8-axis aerospace-type drills with guide and electrode changers. Manual EDM drills start at just £12,000, too.