Mould tool subcontractor invests in EDM from AgieCharmilles

The company purchased two FO 550S spark erosion machines and one FI 640CC CleanCut wire machine, which were installed at Camcraft's facility in Bishops Frome, Worcestershire in 2009. Steve Pearson, managing director at Camcraft, said: "The mould tools and inserts we manufacture are incredibly complex. They are characterised by their accuracy and intricacy (i.e. delicate and hard-to-machine details and features such as thin walls, tight radii etc.), and by their high value. "As a consequence we need access to the most advanced and most productive technologies to help us manufacture tools to the highest quality, to meet the tight delivery times we work to and to help us control our costs." The FI 640CC CleanCut machine is equipped with a high-performance digital generator that combines a speed of 500 mm²/min with surface finish realisation of Ra 0.2 µm. The machine also features automatic wire thread capability, integrated collision protection and linear glass scales for accuracy. The FO 550S die-sink machines have X, Y and Z travels of 600 by 400 by 450 mm, respectively, and can handle large workpieces up to 1,600 kg with surface finishes of Ra 0.1 µm achievable. Camcraft mould tools are used in the investment casting (lost wax) process. The Company works closely with its foundry customers to design and manufacture tools which are used to produce a range of performance-critical aero-engine parts, such as turbine blades and vanes, as well as a variety of engine mountings and housings.