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GF AgieCharmilles has recently launched a range of standard, high-performance die-sink EDM machines with advanced, high-efficiency generator technology.

GF AgieCharmilles has recently launched into the UK its 'Form 20' die-sink EDM machines They feature advanced, high-efficiency generator technology, powerful and easy-to-use CNC controls and built-in automation

The machines are intended for precision toolmakers and component manufacturers looking for an affordable, reliable, high-accuracy and high-productivity spark erosion machine.

Managing director at GF AgieCharmilles, Steve Sylvester, said :"Everything about the new Form 20 will please customers, but perhaps one of the most important features, especially against the backdrop of rising energy costs, is the machines' low energy consumption requirements and hence low running costs".

He continued: "The FORM 20's efficiency combined with its performance and reliability will make it a firm favourite with precision manufacturers".

* Machine build - the design and build of the Form 20 ensures long-life accuracy and process reliability.

Form 20 machines have a C-frame construction.

The machines' substructure, including column, table and quill, are made from high-quality cast iron for extra stiffness and increased thermal stability.

Mechanical components such as ballscrews and axis guides are 'over-engineered' to ensure long-life and trouble-free operation irrespective of the production environment, said AgieCharmilles.

For increased productivity and machining versatility, the Form 20 machines have full C-axis capability (integrated into the quill of the Z-axis), which allows users to simultaneously 4-axis machine components.

Components exhibiting difficult-to-machine characteristics, like curved recesses and undercuts.

can be machined reliably and to high-precision and finish.

The Form 20 machines are equipped with built-in automation: a four-position electrode changer enables users to run spark erosion operations unattended (including 'lights-out').

* Machine generator technology - Form 20 machines have high-performance, advanced and responsive generators.

These generators are energy efficient and ensure low energy consumption (37kW/h at full power) and reduced thermal growth.

They also optimise the EDM process delivering low electrode wear and homogenous surface finishes.

* CNC system - the Form 20's control system is powerful and easy-to-use.

The operator interface is designed with intuitive icons allowing even less experienced operators to input machining data and component requirements (workpiece data, machining priorities, machining parameters) quickly and accurately.

An example of this is the Form 20's AEP (Automatic Erosion Programming) functionality.

AgieCharmilles told manufacturingtalk that this conversational programming facility allows fast and reliable data input, and guides the operator logically and systematically through all programming tasks.

The most commonly used and required measuring cycles are also integrated into the control system (i e, simple measuring of Z-level to rotating the workpiece around the C-axis).

These measuring cycles mean less operator involvement (i e, adjusting the workpiece), and can be integrated easily into job programs allowing unattended (including multiple workpiece) machining.

The machines are also equipped with USB capability for data transfer and can be integrated into a LAN network (i.e for data management from an external PC).

* Form 20 performance - the machine has X, Y, Z travels of 350 x 250 x 250mm (positioning resolution 0.5 micron), and can machine workpieces with dimensions up to 955mm (width) x 540mm (depth) x 350mm (height).

The Form 20 machine provides users with excellent removal rates (750mm3/min) when machining graphite, steel, etc, and surface finishes of 0.2 micron Ra are readily achieved.