Smart wire technology from GF Machining Solutions unlocks EDM power

GF Machining Solutions has introduced Smart (EDM) wire technology equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) chips that enables manufacturers to fully exploit the potential of their AgieCharmilles Cut P wire EDM machines and, simultaneously, achieve Industry 4.0 level process control. The company’s premium wires featuring RFID chips facilitate greater process continuity and traceability, as well as improved process performance.

Thanks to Smart wire’s monitoring capabilities, the machine operator always knows how much wire is available for current jobs. The moment a spool of Smart wire is installed, the Cut P machine recognises and ‘logs’ the wire length. As a result, the operator knows, at a glance, the status of wire spool and whether there is enough wire to complete the cutting operation without stoppages or interruptions.

At the same time, wire traceability is enhanced by the information in the machine report, which includes date of manufacture, type, lot and expiration date, .

Smart wire users can be confident they are using the optimum wire for every job because the technology checks and assesses the wire selected, and optimises the performance of the machine accordingly.

A wide range of Smart wires is available to suit different requirements. For example, if the machining priority is surface quality, GF Machining Solutions’ AC Cut AH 900/500/400 and AC Cut A 900/500 Smart wires are recommended. However, to achieve improved productivity, AC Cut VS 900+, AC Cut VS 900/500 and AC Cut D 500 Smart wires are the option to choose, while if maximised cutting speeds are required, AC Cut VH Smart wire and AC Brass 900/500/400 are offered as the solution.