Ryetools invests in top of the range die-sink technology from GF AgieCharmilles

The new machines were installed at Ryetools' 16,000 sq ft Pickering facility during September and October 2010, and are being used to manufacture high precision, complex plastic injection mould tools used in the medical devices, health and hygiene, food and drink, packaging, automotive sectors etc. The FORM 3000HP machines were purchased to replace the company's two older Agie Innovation die-sink machines, which, owing to their age (10 years-plus) and through constant use, had started to become a little unreliable and sometimes struggled to cope with the high precision features and intricate details that characterise many of today's (and tomorrow's) complex and technically-demanding mould tools. Other significant issues that influenced Ryetools' decision to invest in the new EDM machines concerned the relatively slow cutting speeds of the Agie Innovations, and the need to reduce excessive electrode wear. Ryetools approached 3 EDM machine tool manufacturers and, after the test cut process was completed, selected the FORM 3000HP machines. Since installation, the FORM 3000s have been working flat out, and reports suggest that the new machines have helped reduce cycle times by between 28 - 40 per cent, when manufacturing small parts with intricate features.