Coventry-based GF Machining Solutions Ltd (www.gfms.com) has introduced ‘Smart’ EDM wire technology.

This features radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips that enable manufacturers to ‘fully exploit’ the potential of their Agie Charmilles CUT P wire EDM machines, while at the same time achieving Industry 4.0-level process control.

Thanks to Smart wire’s monitoring capabilities, the machine operator always knows how much wire is available for the current job; the moment a spool of Smart wire is installed, the CUT P machine recognises and ‘logs’ the wire length.

This means that, at a glance, the operator knows the status of wire spool and whether there is enough wire to complete the cutting operation without any stoppages or interruptions.

At the same time, wire traceability is enhanced by the available data in the machine report, including the date of manufacture, type, lot and expiry date.

Advanced traceability is especially important in wire-cutting EDM applications for the aerospace and medical sectors.

Moreover, users of Smart wire can be confident that they are using the optimum product for every job, because the technology checks which wire has been selected and then optimises the performance of the machine accordingly.

GF Machining Solutions offers a wide range of Smart wires to help improve process continuity and traceability and to optimise machine performance.

For example, if the machining priority is surface quality, its AC Cut AH 900/500/400 and AC Cut A 900/500 SMART wires are recommended.

For improved productivity, its AC Cut VS 900+, AC Cut VS 900/500 and AC Cut D 500 Smart wires are recommended.

If cutting speed is the priority, AC Cut VH Smart wire and AC Brass 900/500/400 are recommended.