GF Machining Solutions to Spotlight High-Performance Medical Machining at MD&M West 2017
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill., Nov. 28, 2016 - GF Machining Solutions will demonstrate several milling and EDM systems designed for high performance and productivity in medical machining applications at MD&M 2017 on February 7 - 9 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California. Visitors to the company’s booth 3501 will experience the Mikron HSM 200U LP (linear performance) milling machine, the CUT E350 wire EDM, and several new micro-machining products that incorporate milling and laser technologies.
Available in 3- and 5-axis versions, the Mikron HSM 200U LP brings speed, efficiency, precision and superior surface finishes to the machining of small, complex components, including medical implants and other highly detailed parts. It can produce workpieces via true 5-axis simultaneous high-speed machining and features linear motor technology in the main machine axes and optimized direct-drive motors for the B and C axes that result in high precision and part surface finishes as fine as Ra 0.05 µm. Furthermore, the machine’s powerful 50,000-rpm, 11.4-hp Step-Tec spindle contributes to precise part details and excellent surface finishes.
The Mikron HSM 200U LP also possesses the capability for 24/7 unattended machining using its optional Mikron pallet magazines with System 3R and Erowa interfaces. These fully integrated pallet magazines can be loaded without interrupting cutting operations already in progress. The automation of tool or workpiece handling is possible from three sides of the machine.
A Heidenhain iTNC 530 control system and Smart machining modules on the Mikron HSM 200U LP provide advanced levels of monitoring critical to the production of high-value precision medical parts. The system allows the machine to automatically check and evaluate tools and workpieces, inspect tools for breakage and perform measurements of the workpiece. Additionally, the Smart machine modules automatically monitor spindle vibration, calibrate machine geometry and transmit process status messages to an operator’s cell phone. Also at the event, GF Machining Solutions will showcase the CUT E 350, the first machine in its new CUT E Series of high performance and high productivity wire EDMs. The CUT E Series incorporates a broad range of technologies to help manufacturers increase their flexibility and accelerate their time to market.
The CUT E Series incorporates a new, large-touchscreen human-machine interface (HMI) that is intuitive in operation and includes onboard Intelligent Collision Protection, built-in machining strategies and flexible job management. Information about geometries, machining processes and command programs is processed in a single file. This allows jobs to be transferred among different machines in the CUT E Series, with the machines automatically managing all needed modifications. Additionally, more than 10 automated measurement cycles are available to assist with workpiece preparation and the onboard AC CAM Easy allows an operator to prepare an ISO file and post-process it into a job during machining.
The CUT E Series features the modern Intelligent Power Generator (IPG) to further improve cutting speed, precision and surface quality. The machine can use dedicated wire for decreased part cost and increased throughput, and the POWER-EXPERT module automatically determines the optimal power to send through the wire, which is especially beneficial in stepped parts. The Corner Strategy module automatically adjusts parameters during changes in direction to produce sharp angels and small radii. These features combine to reduce cutting times by up to 18 percent as compared to standard machines.
Visitors to this year’s MD&M event will also learn about a variety of micro-machining products incorporating milling and laser technologies offered through Chicago-based Microlution Inc. GF Machining Solutions acquired the company in 2016 to enlarge its technology portfolio to fully meet the needs of manufacturers in targeted industry segments, including medical. Microlution specializes in 5-axis milling and femtosecond laser for hole drilling and micro-cutting applications.
About GF Machining Solutions
GF Machining Solutions is the world’s leading provider of machines, automation solutions and services to the tool and mold making industry and to manufacturers of precision components. The 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. GF Machining Solutions is a globally acting division of the Georg Fischer Group (Switzerland) and maintains a presence on 50 sites worldwide within its own organization. Its 3,008 employees generated sales of CHF 905 million in 2014. More information can be found at www.gfms.com/us.
