High Speed Spindle Wire-EDM Turns Small Parts

High Speed Spindle Wire-EDM Turns Small Parts Hirschmann is introducing a second generation of its high speed rotary spindle (H80R.MAC), which allows even extremely small parts. Sizes can be down to a diameter of 10 micron - to be cut accurately and cost effectively. The technically advanced spindle, which was launched with great success two years ago, was developed specifically to permit even very small parts to be turned on an EDM wire erosion machine. It has met with market acclaim throughout the Western engineering industry ever since its launch: ideally suited for manufacturing parts for the medical, sensory analysis, fluids and automotive industries, its application is already widespread throughout the world of micro machining. The new generation of the H80R spindle enjoys the same specification as the original H80 spindle but has the additional benefits of positional indexing and servo controlled erosion using the rotary axis. This is in response to requests from, in particular, the medical, micro technology and aerospace industries to combine EDM turning of small parts with indexing and servo controlled erosion. The new rotating and indexing spindle allows parts to be EDM turned or EDM ground with a plane cut at different angles.It can be used with a System 5000 pneumatic clamper to enable automatic loading, so can be employed in a fully automated production system as easily as in stand alone EDM machines. Hirschmann developed the high speed rotary spindle (H80R.MAC) in response to a clear industry need to cut extremely small parts - down a diameter of 10 micron - accurately and cost effectively. Using the high speed rotary spindle, a conventional WEDM machine becomes an EDM turning or grinding machine.The spindle was developed and tested in conjunction with the Institute of Micro Technology in Mainz, Germany.It is suitable for high speed applications. The Hirschmann H80R spindle is easy to set up and use, considerably improves productivity and significantly reduces production costs when compared with grinding.Used with the newly patented Hirschmann adjustable collet, the high speed rotary spindle provides the highest axial accuracy at rotary speeds of up to 1500 rev/min. The spindle can also be interfaced with the EDM controller to offer improved autonomy.Component surface finish and geometry are comparable with traditional grinding techniques.The Hirschmann H80R rotating spindle provides a viable and economic alternative to grinding small components. Hirschmann at EMO 2007, Hannover, Germany, September 17-22, Hall 25, Stand H30.