Mitsubishi EDM technology on show and in demand

The company has been Mitsubishi Electric's sole UK agent for sales and support for its EDM technology for over 10 years, in fact, and today offers full sales, service and applications support for Mitsubishi Electric in the UK. Over the course of the past decade, a pattern of continuous, steady growth has seen a strong customer base established with a history of repeat orders. Today, HK Technologies offers full sales, service and applications support for Mitsubishi Electric in the UK. Over the course of the past decade, a pattern of continuous, steady growth has seen a strong customer base established with a history of repeat orders. The UK's first demonstration centre for Mitsubishi EDM technology features two high specification models - previously, cutting trials had to take place at the European headquarters in Ratingen, near Düsseldorf, Germany. This facility is able to highlight the next generation MV Series wire-cut machines that feature a host of game-changing engineering improvements, many of which are claimed industry firsts. Arguably the most significant is the revolutionary cylindrical drive technology, which removes many of the pitfalls associated with linear drive motors found on competitor machines. At the core of this breakthrough are innovative tubular shaft motors deployed to move a number of axes. These motors prevent 'cogging' and ensure smooth and highly controllable movements, it is explained. Further advantages of the new MV Series include an ODS (Optical Drive System), which helps improve machining accuracy (±2 µm) and provide reaction times up to four times faster than electrical cable. For faster and more continuous operation, Mitsubishi EDM has also enhanced its Intelligent AT automatic wire threading system, while productivity is further boosted by the PFC (Precise Finish Circuit). PFC is able to generate finishes up to 30% finer than previous generation models with fewer skim cuts. Last but not least, Mitsubishi Electric has succeeded in reducing energy consumption by up to 42%. Among several early takers are Cryogenic Ltd of Acton in West London, a global leader in superconducting magnets and low temperature measurement systems without. The company has installed an MV1200R high performance wire EDM with four-axis (XYUV) linear shaft motors and one-piece, four-sided hardened table. Also keen to exploit the virtues of MV Series technology is Newport Toolmakers Ltd, based in Bletchley near Milton Keynes, which has installed the larger MV2400S with two-axis (X-Y) linear shaft motors and three-piece, U-shaped hardened table. The machine has been set to work producing press tool punch and die sets, largely for the automotive industry. Says states John Nicol, director at Newport Toolmakers: "I admit to having a look at one or two alternatives to Mitsubishi, but when I saw the new MV Series I was really impressed. As well as offering enhanced quality, I would say our new Mitsubishi MV2400S is at least 50% faster than the models we replaced. Furthermore, HK delivered everything we needed and the machine is already providing differentiation against our competitors." HK's managing director, Tim Smith, sums up HK's successful year to date: "With the technological progress made by Mitsubishi, we are enjoying considerable success in the UK EDM market and expect this to continue moving forward. In fact, we are currently in the process of recruiting more sales executives to spearhead our progress in the EDM arena."