GF AgieCharmilles reveals new developments at International Technology Show

High speed and high efficiency milling innovations exhibited at the event included the following: [] The HSM 200U LP, described as a revolutionary and compact 5-axis milling machine, is for the production of small, high precision parts. The machine features a "breakthrough axis concept with linear drives on all of the machine's axes", a flexible range of automation options, and the award-winning Intelligent Tool Measurement (ITM) system. [] The HEM 500U (pictured) is said to be a flexible, compact, cost-competitive and easy to use 5-axis milling machine equipped with a newly developed rotary tilting table. The HEM 500U offers impressive performance delivering high accuracy, superior surface finishes and improved productivity, and provides customers with a reliable machining process. On the EDM side, four innovations were in the spotlight: [] The wire-cutting CUT 200 mS/Sp EDM machine, with its state-of-the-art, intuitive AC CUT human-machine interface (HMI) functionality, combines quality, productivity and control over production costs, explains the company. The CUT 200 mS/Sp, designed and manufactured in Switzerland, boasts active thermo-stabilisation for best positioning accuracy, onboard PROFIL-EXPERT, POWER -EXPERT and TAPER-EXPERT 2 modules, and a wide range of smart functions to help boost performance. [] The reengineered FORM 20, with its linear tool changer (LTC), is being promoted as a simple-to-use die-sink machine that from a reliability, versatility and price: performance perspective, cannot be beaten. The machine features a high power generator, a TECFORM module to enhance machining efficiency and reduce unproductive time, and is easy set-up for a quick start to erosion. The four-position LTC for the FORM 20 enhances productivity and further facilitates unmanned operations. [] The FORM 2000 VHP represents a milestone in very high precision die-sinking and incorporates thermo-stabilisation to control fluctuations in temperature. The machine body is assembled with highest accuracy and features a Z-axis cooled with dielectric. Laser testing of the machine in the final steps of machine build ensures perfect 3D positioning. [] The DRILL 300 hole-drilling EDM machine is designed for the drilling of high quality, high precision holes without affecting surface integrity. Through its powerful, state-of-the-art electronics, ultra-fine pulses are optimised for EDM hole drilling operations and electrode wear is reduced to the bare minimum. In addition to the machines on show, GF AgieCharmilles customer services presented a number of advanced preventive maintenance initiatives at ITS. These included: [] Calibration by laser interferometer to guarantee maximum accuracy of a machine's axes [] Geometrical control to prevent wear on machine components [] Circularity test with a ballbar gauge to help diagnose machine performance issues