Agie Charmilles

GF AgieCharmilles Introduces Precision Line of High Speed Machining Centers

Provided By Agie Charmilles

GF AgieCharmilles has announced the introduction of a new series of Mikron high speed machining centers that raises the bar for metalworking precision. The series currently includes the HSM 400 LP Precision, HSM 400U LP Precision and HSM 500 LP Precision.
 
Produced in Switzerland, every machine in the LP Precision series must prove its unconditional stability in demanding work conditions before being shipped. Experienced experts use handpicked machine components to build each machine in the line.
 
GF AgieCharmilles is the only European machine manufacturer to offer a solution for process-reliable tool measurement on the machine tool. The company's Intelligent Tool Measurement (ITM) provides optical tool measurement at full spindle speed, enabling the high levels of precision found in LP Precision machines. ITM records the tool tip with modern image sensors and then uses specialized software to clean up the image, resulting in the first ever ability to obtain a tool measurement with an absolute Z-reference in the micron range. This breakthrough allows for the development of new and more efficient operating strategies.

Machines in the LP Precision series possess excellent thermal control characteristics, with systems cooling the drive groups in a targeted manner. Each of the linear axes, as well as the rotation/tilt unit, has its own cooling circuit. The Opticool concept, which also includes cooling of the spindle nose, allows for a previously unobtainable level of temperature stability. The quick dispersion of heat results in a geometric stability that provides extremely high repeat accuracy in axial movement.
 
An example of the performance provided by the LP Precision series consists of an application in CrVMo steel with a hardness of HRc 60. When removing the average amount of material in a finishing process with a residual oversize of less than 10 mm, the whole workpiece surface could be machined to an average roughness of 0.02 Ra and 20 mm.
 
GF AgieCharmilles' OSS (Operator Support System) Precision module enables maximum performance from the LP Precision series. Drive and control parameters can be controlled in such a way as to maximize cutting speed, surface quality or precision of contouring. Whatever the task, OSS Precision allows for the objectives to be reached more rapidly and reliably, boosting productivity and efficiency.

Learn more about the HSM LP line here.

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GF AgieCharmilles' CUT 20P Offers Increased Speed and Reliability

Provided By Agie Charmilles

GF AgieCharmilles' new CUT 20P wire EDM features a variety of new evolutions, including a new dielectric unit with three vertical Grundfos pumps for increased performance. CUT 20 P handles wire diameters from 0.10 to 0.30 mm with ease and offers the flexibility to satisfy requirements in the fields of general engineering and standard stamping.
 
GF AgieCharmilles equipped the CUT 20P with Integrated Collision Protection
(ICP) on the X-, Y- and Z-axes. The ICP system prevents any breakage of sensitive parts and costly elements, allowing the operator to work with more confidence during job preparation and execution. Additionally, the CUT 20 P features faster wire rethreading, reducing time by 70% over GF AgieCharmilles' previous CUT 20 model.
 
The CUT 20P features a new 17" LCD console, as well as the intuitive HMI (human-machine interface), which is built on the Windows XP platform to enable easy integration into a data network via LAN. This unique programming increases flexibility in the production environment and also allows new users to learn and understand the wire EDM process quickly.
 
Adding to the smart design of control is the inclusion of GF AgieCharmilles'
"Speed" technology package, which allows the CUT 20P to achieve competitive results in terms of precision, time and surface roughness when machining jobs with 2 to 4 cuts. The CUT 20P's low energy consumption combined with the long working life of the wear parts reduces operating costs and helps to ensure profitability.
 
GF AgieCharmilles also makes available a variety of options for the CUT 20P.
They include: auxiliary M functions with PLC device to make it possible to run or synchronize an indexer or an alarm lamp alerting errors and finished processes.

Learn more about the CUT 20P here.

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GF AgieCharmilles' Latest Innovation Offers High Dynamic Milling

Provided By Agie Charmilles

Lincolnshire, Illinois, May 7, 2010 – GF AgieCharmilles' HPM 1200 HD is a dynamic, three axis machining center that offers high performance milling and spindle speeds up to 20,000 RPM. The new machining center’s high dynamics combined with StepTec’s superior spindle technology allow it to deliver high quality 3-D surfacing results and exceptional chip removal rates. This vector controlled in-line motor spindle permits full torque even in the low speed range.

The HPM 1200 HD features a polymer concrete, cube-shaped machine base to provide high performance, high precision cutting of materials like alloyed steels and aluminum. The machining center also ensures automatic production with the integration of a cost-effective pallet changer that increases flexibility and efficiency by allowing repetitive machining without interruption.

GF AgieCharmilles equipped the HPM 1200 HD with heavily ribbed, cast iron worktable is designed with axially arranged T-slots to ensure simple, manual loading of diverse workpieces. HPM 1200 HD also features a dual drive in the Y-axis for increased stability. Additional features include two light, waist-high doors that provide free access to the working area, as well as scratchproof windows that allow a clear view of the machining area.

The HPM 1200 HD also includes a 60-position integrated tool magazine and a double arm gripper that allows short-tool changes in just 2 seconds. Operators also benefit from the inclusion of the latest generation Heidenhain iTNC 530 digital control system, which offers an Ethernet connection for fast CAM data flow, free contour and parallel programming, advanced high-speed functions and an optional mobile hand wheel that brings you close to the cutting point if required.

Learn more about the HPM 1200 HD here.

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GF AgieCharmilles Announces FORM 20/30 Diesinking EDM

Provided By Agie Charmilles

The newest innovation in GF AgieCharmilles' extensive range of diesinking EDM machines is the FORM 20/30, a cost-effective solution that combines ease of use with exceptional performance. Offering consistent reliability, the FORM 20/30 ensures high rigidity, good interference and reduced setup times. Constructed with an ultra rigid cast iron C-frame and cross-table design, the FORM 20/30 guarantees stiffness and is suited to withstand the temperature fluctuations found in the standard workshop environment. GF AgieCharmilles designed the machine with an integrated tool capacity for 4 - 6 positions, as well as glass scales on all axes that continuously measure axis positions, ensuring the highest level of positioning and cutting accuracy. The FORM 20/30 is also equipped with the new and intuitive HMI (human-machine interface), which is built on a Windows XP platform and designed with ?non-EDM experts? in mind. This ensures that machine operators with minimal experience can program a job and quickly yield the desired geometrical and surface finish results in all cavities. The system can be easily integrated into a data network via LAN for remote monitoring and data management. Adding to the smart design of control is the proven performance of the Advanced Power Generator (APG), a high efficiency, high output 72/103 Amp generator that delivers high speed, consistent surface finish quality, precision, low wear and high removal rates.

Surface Texturing with Laser Ablation

Provided By Agie Charmilles

Much of a product’s appeal to the consumer has to do with its look and feel—literally, the texture of its visible surface. The pattern of tooled leather, the weave of a rich fabric or the grain of weathered wood pleases the eye and gratifies the touch. Reproducing such textures on metal workpieces is one of the primary applications for a line of laser-powered machine tools from GF AgieCharmilles (Lincolnshire, Illinois)  The three- and five-axis models in this line use a high-powered laser beam that impinges on the workpiece surface under high speed computer control to remove material by ablation, thus creating virtually any surface texture that can be digitized. Ablation can be described as a method to melt and vaporize a workpiece material with high heat.

In addition to texturing, this process can be used to engrave, mark, label or render a microstructure on a surface in 2 or 3D. According to the company, this process can be applied to aluminum, copper, steel, graphite, carbide, brass, ceramics and other materials. Laser ablation is said to be more flexible, predictable and environmentally benign than acid etching or other conventional surface treatment.

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