EASTEC 2015 (First Tour)

The CUT 200 Sp Speed Edition is the most versatile and economical wire EDM machine on the market, providing fast spark-to-spark wire threading, high levels of energy efficiency and most significantly, unmatched productivity when cutting parts of variable heights. The CUT 200 Sp accommodates wire diameters ranging from 0.002 in to 0.012 in and can handle part tapers of up to 45 deg, regardless of part thickness. The machine’s digital CC generator enables surface finishes as fine as Ra 0.1 μm and it offers an industrial cutting speed of 15.75 in²/min. The CUT 200 Sp employs the Power Expert smart module, which continuously calculates part thickness, and checks injection pressure and adjusts machine power accordingly. This prevents wire breakage when changing the part thickness being machined. As a result, the CUT 200 Sp improves accuracy and cutting speed in parts of variable heights, such as plastic injection molds, aluminum extrusion dies and components for the aerospace and medical industries.

The System 3R Transformer is a scalable automation system that provides manufacturers with extreme flexibility to meet their changing integration needs. Manufacturers can automate a single machine and easily expand the cell to include up to 12 machines using a wide range of machining technologies. Additionally, the open-architecture system is vendor-neutral, allowing components from different manufacturers to be included within the same cell. This approach gives end users the ability to create an automation cell where each individual component decision is optimized, as opposed to having choice constrained by compatibility. The system also provides user-friendly cell-management software whereby all production data is entered in a structured manner or imported through a data exchange interface for major enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The software then controls every aspect of the cell, from automatically loading jobs to machines to recording and monitoring cycle times for each job.

The automated FORM 20 iRTC (integrated Rotary Tool Changer) sinker EDM will also be showcased. The system features the recently developed AgieCharmilles AC Form HMI, the most flexible control developed for a die-sinking EDM. It allows shops to easily and automatically accommodate jobs that require multiple electrodes or several workpieces varying in size and geometry. As the first truly integrated and compact system of its kind, the iRTC boosts part processing flexibility while it ratchets up uninterrupted unattended production capability. It accommodates electrodes weighing up to 22 lb and measuring 5.9 in x 3.94 in or up to 5.9 in diameter as well as in height. And, depending on electrode/workpiece size, the changer holds either eight or 16 electrodes or workpieces.

GF Machining Solutions is a leading provider of machines, automation solutions and services to the tool and mold making industry and to manufactures of precision components. Their products range from electric discharge machines, high-speed and high-performance milling machines, including clamping and palletization systems, and 3D laser surface texturing machines, to services, spare parts and expendable parts, consumables and automation solutions. As a globally active group, the company, a division of Georg Fischer Group (Schaffhausen, Switzerland), maintains a presence on 50 sites worldwide within its own organization, with 2,873 employees that generated sales of $892.5 million in 2013.

GF Machining Solutions, 560 Bond Street, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224, 800-282-1336, Fax: 847-913-5340, gisbert.ledvon@georgfischer.com, www.gfms.com/us.

CUTTERS AND INSERTS ACHIEVE HIGH METAL REMOVAL RATES
In Booth 5242, Lovejoy Tool Company, Inc. (Springfield, VT) will feature the new MaxCut 651 cutters that utilize a new chip gullet design combined with thick inserts (.250 in) for continuous heavy duty work that results in high metal removal rates. The inserts feature 45 deg lead angle for free cutting and easier part entry, superb corner strength and are available in medium pitch configurations for general machining and fine pitch for short chip materials like cast iron. In addition, the 16 cutting edges assures greater production at lower cost. The cutter bodies feature a new insert adjusting station allowing for faster, more accurate insert positioning, resulting in optimal cutting efficiency.  The 651 series cutters are available in 3 in diameter and up.

Lovejoy Tool Company, Inc., 133 Main Street, Springfield, VT, 800-843-8376, ecram@lovejoytool.com, www.lovejoytool.com.

ADVANCED MACHINING SYSTEMS
In Booth 1426, MC Machinery Systems, Inc. (Wood Dale, IL), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corp., will have a wide range of its latest machining technology on display, featuring the latest advances in sinker and wire EDM technologies, milling and turning centers, additive manufacturing and more.

The efficient Mitsubishi EA8S Advance sinker EDM center will be on display and feature the new M700 series control with 15 in touch screen and FP80S energy saving power supply that reduces electrical consumption by 20 percent as compared to the previous FP model. The all new Power Master GF2 Adaptive Control reduces graphite electrode wear by as much as 80 percent. And the addition of the new SS Jump 5 optimizes jump up acceleration control to stabilize high-speed, no-flush burning.

https://youtu.be/vpsqRuNjcgY

Also on hand will be the MV2400-R EDM wire machine that features improved machine construction, auto-threading, internal machine communication, power supply technology and operating cost reduction. The machine exemplifies Mitsubishi EDM’s continued dedication to high precision and innovative technology with the new non-contact Cylindrical Drive System.

Available exclusively from MC Machinery, the LUMEX Avance-25 metal laser sintering hybrid milling machine is one of the only machines in the world which relies on one-machine, one-process manufacturing of complex molds and parts by fusing metal laser sintering (3D SLS) technology with high-speed milling technology. The machine enables production of complicated parts through total manufacturing using digital engineering and 3D data. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet experts on the machine and examine sample parts built using its revolutionary hybrid process.

Popular among job shops because of its performance across a wide range of applications, the DV-1000 milling center will also be at the booth. The DV Series is built for general purpose machining, featuring a 15,000 rpm Direct Drive Spindle. This machine can accommodate smaller cutting tools for more intricate milling jobs, in addition to general shop work.

And finally, a versatile turning solution designed for machining hard materials, the LT-350 can cover a wide range of applications. The full-enclosure, FC30 Meehanite cast-iron design features a 30 deg slant bed for excellent support to the spindle head, turret and tailstock with low gravity. High-precision linear guideways and a rigid, servo-driven turret enable rapid travel speeds and smooth, heavy-duty cutting. The real power of the LT Series comes from the Mitsubishi M70V Series control and drive system. The control includes a state-of-the-art 64-bit RISC processing unit with ultra-high-speed fiber-optic backplane. This allows for extensive program look-ahead (337 blocks) and 33,700 bpm processing. Mitsubishi’s superior products are backed by industry-leading service and support.

MC Machinery Systems, Inc., 1500 Michael Drive, Wood Dale, IL 60191, 630-616-5920, www.mitsubishi-world.com.

QUICKLY LOCATE & SECURE AEROSPACE PARTS FOR HIGH SPEED MACHINING
In Booth 5653, Mitee-Bite Products Company, LLC (Center Ossipee, NH) features the Loc-Down™ System, a simple way of quickly attaching and removing plates or workpieces from a sub-plate that is best described as a “headless bolt” with a simple ball-lock mechanism. This System saves the time required to completely remove a bolt with less tooling interference. Primarily designed to quickly locate and secure large aerospace parts for high speed machining, it can also be implemented into many designs that previously required a standard bolt. Use the Loc-Down in conjunction with our custom bushings for a simple low-cost, quick-change system for fixtures on tombstones and pallet changers. The advanced design only requires a tapped hole to a specified depth in the base plate and a drilled hole with an internal groove machined with our Loc-Down Endmill.

https://youtu.be/CxsZ9Q0HqTQ

The compact design of the System allows for tighter pattern on grid plates, when compared to other options in the marketplace, saving material cost on expensive aerospace alloys. The Loc-Down streamlines production for the aerospace industry by generating high holding force, providing low profile “out of the way” clamping that allows programmers to be very creative, and permitting aggressive machining without tooling interference or applying forces that would influence part. Other features include:

• Simple, strong, and faster than other systems
• 100 percent stainless steel heat treated components
• Drill and tap hole to specified depth/use custom cutter on workpiece . . . done
• Use with new T-Slot/Grid plate pre-drilled and tapped specifically for the ½-13 and M12 Loc-Downs.

Loc-Down combines custom Bushings and Locating Pins and Liners in a convenient kit that delivers a low-cost high precision quick change pallet system with a repeatability of .0004 in/0.01 mm or better.

Mitee-Bite Products Company, LLC, 340 Route 16B, PO Box 430, Ossipee, NH 03814, 603-539-4538, Fax: 603-539-2183, miteebite@miteebite.com, www.miteebite.com.