The new wire-erosion machine for cutting tools from Nottingham-based Vollmer UK Ltd (www.vollmer-group.com) is called the VPulse 500; the successor to the company’s established QWD-series machines, it also features a new erosion generator.

The new Vpulse EDM generator has been designed to ensure higher stock removal rates or improved surface quality.

As is the case for the previous QWD machines, the eroding wire for the VPulse 500 also functions as an electrode; the wire is guided close enough to the tool to be produced that a spark is generated between the electrode and the workpiece, removing material from the PCD-tipped cutting edge.

Thanks to the fine eroding wire, complex geometries and the smallest inner radii can be machined precisely on multi-stage tools and bell-shaped tools, says Vollmer.

The VPulse 500 is available for the storage of 16, 28 and 65 workpieces, while PCD tools weighing up to 25kg can be machined. Workpieces with lengths up to 500mm and diameters up to 320mm can be accommodated in the work envelope.