GF Machining Solutions Touts Technology for Lowering Production Costs at HOUSTEX


LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. – At HOUSTEX 2015, taking place Feb. 24 - 26 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, GF Machining Solutions will spotlight its high-efficiency MIKRON HEM 500U 5-axis machining center and high-speed AgieCharmilles CUT 200 Sp wire EDM machine in Hartwig, Inc.’s booth 609. Through demonstrations of these machines, attendees will learn how today’s advanced Swiss manufacturing technology significantly lowers production costs when processing parts for the oil and gas industry.



MIKRON HEM 500U

Thanks to a newly developed rotary tilting table design, the MIKRON HEM 500U provides high performance, high-value 5-side machining of components in a single setup. Ideal for cutting parts from aluminum alloys and steel, it features a dynamic 12,000-rpm, ISO-B40 spindle and 30-tool magazine that provides a two-second chip-to-chip time for high-speed continuous milling operations. Additionally, a 20,000-rpm spindle and 60-tool changer are available.



The HEM 500U’s trunnion table measuring 19.7" in diameter and accommodating workpiece weights up to 440 lbs. tilts +2.000" /-4.330" in the B-axis and rotates 360 degrees in C for 3 + 2 machining as well as 5-side positioning. Axis travels in X, Y and Z measure 19.7", 17.7" and 15.7", respectively, while a distance of 5.9" between the machine spindle nose and rotary table surface allows for ample maneuverability around workpieces.



The highly robust HEM 500U works well under a variety of working conditions. Its C-frame structure supports a cross-sledge for the transversal X- and Y- movements. All three linear axes are located on a sturdy block that houses the B-axis. The vertical Z-movement, which contains the inline spindle, mounts to the rigid Y-axis column.



The HEM 500U relies on a Heidenhain iTNC 530 control for quick and reliable machining. This versatile, workshop-oriented control for 5 (3+2)-axis machining features an integrated digital drive control with integrated inverter, enabling it to produce a highly accurate workpiece contour while machining at high velocity. The HEM 500U also comes equipped with smart machine modules that provide advanced levels of monitoring critical to oil and gas-related parts.



Featuring a small footprint, the HEM 500U is ideal for tight setup areas. The attention to the ergonomics of the machine’s design allows for easy access to workpieces. Its highly accessible structure makes it possible to load and unload workpieces using a forklift as opposed to a crane.



AgieCharmilles CUT 200 Sp

The AgieCharmilles CUT 200 Sp speed edition wire EDM provides fast spark-to-spark wire threading, energy efficiency and high productivity when cutting parts of variable heights. It also offers versatility through its ability to reliably hold tolerances measured in microns in both light and heavy parts.



For ensuring high accuracy and speed as well as preventing wire breakage when machining parts with varying heights, the Power Expert smart module on the CUT 200 Sp continuously calculates part thickness, checking injection pressure and adjusting machine power accordingly.



The CUT 200 Sp accommodates wire diameters ranging from 0.013" – 0.003" and can handle part tapers of up to 45 degrees, regardless of part thickness. The machine’s digital CC generator enables surface finishes as fine as Ra 0.1 µm and an optional power module can boost cutting speed to 37.2 in2 /hr with an adapted wire.



For easy loading of workpieces, the CUT 200 Sp implements a drop door to provide access to the work area. Moreover, the machine’s small footprint measures just 79.53" W x 86.65" D x 79.33" H, yet has room for ample X-, Y-, Z-, U- and V-axis travels of 13.77", 8.66", 8.66", 13.77", 8.66", respectively.



To obtain high-positioning precision, the CUT 200 Sp’s axes are fitted with a linear glass scale with absolute coding at a resolution of 50 nanometers. Also, an optional touch probe allows the user to inspect a finished part inside the machine before its removal from the worktable, eliminating the need for part inspection with a CMM.



Furthermore, the Integrated Collision Protection (ICP) makes the X- and Y-axis high-speed rapid traverse of the CUT 200 Sp possible by effectively absorbing the energy of a collision. Operators can safely move the machine’s axes at high speeds without threat of severe machine damage in the event of an error.



The CUT 200 SP achieves high energy savings via its Econowatt 2 smart module. This standard feature allows users to program the machine to automatically switch off at the end of unattended operation or awaken and complete thermostabilization prior to production. Econowatt 2 also automatically turns off the machine when a job is completed or the machining process is interrupted.



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 manufactures 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. As a globally active group, GF Machining Solutions, a Division of Georg Fischer Group (Switzerland), maintains a presence on 50 sites worldwide within its own organization. Its 2,873 employees generated sales of CHF 867 million in 2013. For more information on the company’s products and services, contact Gisbert Ledvon at GF Machining Solutions, 560 Bond St., Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224, Tel: 1-800-282-1336, Fax: 847-913-5340, Email: gisbert.ledvon@georgfischer.com, or visit www.gfms.com/us.



MEDIA CONTACTS:

Gisbert Ledvon

Director of Business Development

GF Machining Solutions

847.913.5300

or

Chuck Bates

Director of Public Relations

dgs Marketing Engineers®

317.813.2230

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