Coventry-based GF Machining Solutions Ltd (www.gfms.com/uk) has upgraded the AgieCharmilles CUT 2000 X wire-cut EDM machine with new Spark Track technology and an advanced integrated vision unit (IVU), thereby ensuring high levels of accuracy and productivity for even the most demanding applications.

‘Streamlined production management’ is offered by the CUT 2000 X’s Vision 5 software interface, which allows manufacturers to optimise production, achieve flexible job management and improve quality and productivity by simplifying last-minute machining-sequence modifications and allowing ‘special actions’ to be introduced directly inside the job.

Meanwhile, open guides on GF Machining Solutions’ automatic wire changer allow manufacturers to use different wire diameters for roughing and finishing, thereby reducing machining time for small and complex geometries — and offering increases in productivity of up to 32%.

Furthermore, the availability of two 25kg wire spools eliminates the need to ‘modify the wire circuit’ when switching wires, which increases flexibility.

GF Machining Solutions’ new Spark Track features the company’s Intelligent Spark Protection System, which provides information about spark distribution on the wire and allows users to completely avoid wire breakage, regardless of the machining conditions; the technology also reduces part defects and simplifies machine operation.

Wire oscillation and accommodating both varying heights and tapered surfaces are among the common problems resolved by Spark Track technology, which ensures that ‘discharge distribution’ along the wire is as uniform as possible.

With IVU Advance, users can reduce set-up times, check reference points without a measuring machine and correct machining errors, while a CCD camera reduces the need for an operator to be present (this onboard measurement system uses light intensity variation to detect edges as part of the closed-loop manufacturing that is available).