Fanucrsquos RoboCut Series machines like the C600 iA are redesigned for greater cutting accuracy and better surface finishes especially in hightaper fouraxis machining
  1. Machining / Cutting

New Wire EDMs Promise Improved Accuracy, Speed, Finish and Efficiency

Feb. 27, 2013
Design updates optimize productivity Improved controls lower operating costs

Methods Machine Tools Inc. recently introduced a new line of wire EDM machines built by Fanuc Corp., the RoboCut α-CiA Series. The new C400iAand C600iAWire EDMs present various design improvements, the supplier noted, including the new FANUC 31iWB Control which contributes to improvements in accuracy and finish, especially in high-taper four-axis cutting.

Methods went on to detail that Fanuc’s new Ai Pulse Control II EDM offers better straightness and faster cutting speeds for roughing and finishing in interrupted cuts, and the Fanuc Auto-Threader offers enhanced reliability, including when threading soft wire while submerged and in the cutting gap.

“The C400iAand C600iAlines provide our EDM customers with the latest in proven Fanuc technology with major upgrades to optimize productivity,” said Stephen Bond, the supplier’s national sales manager for Fanuc RoboDrill, RoboCut & EDM Products.

The new Fanuc wire EDM machines also have several updated control functions, designed to reduce operating costs by monitoring electrical component usage to minimize power consumption. 

Operating costs also are reduced by the new “Eco Mode” that Methods’ said reduces wire consumption up to 30%. The PCD power supply is updated to allow for more efficient burning in difficult–to-cut materials, e.g., CBN and some carbon fibers. 

Also, cutting technology is available for machining complex, detailed graphite electrodes up to 6 inches thick with a super fine finish.

Updates to Fanuc’s RoboCut Link i cut monitor software (standard programming for the EDMs) make it possible to monitor and operate the machines remotely.  Also, a user-friendly interface is available now for Apple iPads and other remote smart devices.

Like the Fanuc iE and iD EDMs, the Fanuc RoboCut C400iAand C600iAwire EDMs are able tomanufacture complex components and offer optional seven-axis simultaneous machining. 

The α-CiASeries is recommended for machining a range of high-hardness materials, including cobalt-chrome, high-nickel alloys, and titanium, which are common in challenging applications like aerospace, medical, and military equipment manufacturing.

The α-CiASeries machines are outfitted with Fanuc’s exclusive 31iWB control with a 15.1 in. LCD touch screen.   Models include:

  • C400iA10in.,standard and iMed with X, Y, Z travels of 14.6x10.6x10.2in,and U, V travels of  ±2.362in.;
  • C600iA12in.,standard and iMed with X, Y, Z travels of 23.6 x15.7x12.2in.,and U, V travels of ±3.937in.; and
  • C600iA16 in., standard with X, Y, Z travels of 23.6x15.7x16.2in.,and U, V travels of ±3.937in.
About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries.

Sodick Inc.
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