Makino EDBV3 EDM machine speeds up deep hole drilling of turbine components
1 min read
The Makino EDBV3 CNC EDM drilling machine can produce a wide range of sizes and shapes of cooling holes in nickel alloy engine blades and vanes in a single set-up. Drilling is performed fully submerged in a water-based dielectric for high part quality, stability and fast processing. Despite the high processing speed, the heat-affected zone in the workpieces remains within permitted tolerance limits for aircraft engine construction.
Available in the UK through NCMT, the EDBV3 combines each pipe electrode, electrode holder and positioning guide in one assembly. This eliminates the need to insert the electrode during automatic tool change, which takes 30 seconds. Automatic exchange allows holes of different diameter to be produced at freely programmable angles and positions during unattended operation. The usual restrictions of multiple-electrode comb machining are thus avoided.
The standard Makino EDBV3 machine configuration includes a 24-station tool carousel system which itself can be exchanged robotically for extended automated operation. A rigid arm assembly holds, locates and supports the die guide. An integrated middle guide can be deployed for smaller diameter electrodes, preventing whipping, bending and vibration. The middle guide fingers automatically retract as the rotating, tubular electrode reduces in size, maximising electrode length usage. A length management system provides electrode wear tracking and automatically instigates tool change when it becomes too short.
The EDBV3's rotary C-axis head accepts electrode diameters down to 0.2 mm. The EDM drill rotates at 1,000 rpm and is designed to withstand internal pressures of up to 10 Mpa for effective flushing and high material removal rates.
Makino's EDM drilling software, integrated into the control, features user-friendly input screens with direct G and M code programming formats. To prevent back-wall impingement when penetrating cavity-wall blades and vanes, the EDBV3 includes sensitive breakthrough detection using a combination of adaptive process monitoring techniques that is effective even when machining parameters are set to maximum.
The EDBV3 has XYZ axis travels of 370, 270 and 500 mm respectively, and the 2-axis, 250 by 270 mm table supports a 5 kg (optionally 15 kg) maximum workpiece load. The technology is also suitable for use in the manufacture of medical parts, fuel injector nozzles, filters and die plates.
