New products from Bystronic, GF Machining Solutions and United Grinding.
Bystronic Fiber Laser Cutter
Bystronic’s BySmart Fiber is a new entry into laser cutting in the medium-price segment.
The new fiber laser is aimed primarily at first-time users looking to launch directly into fiber laser technology without lengthy preparations.
The newly developed machine platform delivers cutting results with just a few operating steps.
In the thin range of sheet thicknesses, the BySmart Fiber significantly speeds up the cutting process compared to a CO2 laser. It is also suitable for higher sheet thicknesses, up to the medium material range.
On the BySmart Fiber, operators control the cutting process using a 22” touch screen: upload cutting plans, start the process and the BySmart Fiber gets started.
The ByVision UI has access to a database that includes parameters for all the common types of sheet metal. It can create the optimal cutting process by taking the material, sheet thickness and part geometry into account.
For more information, visit the Bystronics website.
GF Machining Solutions Wire-Cutting EDM
GF Machining Solutions’ (GFMS) AgieCharmilles X series of wire-cutting EDM are designed to eliminate pitch and positioning errors.
The CUT 1000 X and CUT 1000 X OilTech deliver pitch accuracy of ±1.0 μm over 200 mm by 140 mm and M-shape form accuracy of ±1.0 μm.
The CUT 2000 X, CUT 2000 X OilTech and CUT 3000 X deliver pitch accuracy of ±1.5 μm over 340 mm by 240 mm (460 mm by 320 mm for CUT 3000 X size) and form accuracy of ±1.5 μm.
Prior to installation, GF Machining Solutions’ experts machine a large number of holes in a plate, then use a high-precision coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to measure the position of each hole’s center.
The CMM results are then reloaded into the computer numerical control (CNC) of the X series machine. That correction of the CNC is intended to ensure perfect pitch and positioning accuracy from the very first die or mold.
These EDMs are designed for a variety of applications, including:
- Stamping tools and multi-cavity molds
- Electronics
- Small components for the medical and watchmaking industries
In addition, the X series machines offer manufacturers a wide range of features designed to enhance quality and productivity.
GFMS’ proprietary automatic wire changer (AWC) uses a two-wire spool for large-diameter or premium wire for the main cut and then switches to smaller wire for finishing cuts. An integrated wire-chopper also serves to improve productivity.
The onboard Job Management System allows operators to insert urgent jobs as well as transfer jobs between different machines.
THREADINGEXPERT is a retractable device that drives the wire from the upper guide to the start hole (upper surface).
The Integrated Vision Unit uses an embedded charge-coupled device (CCD) camera linked to a backlight installed on the lower arm of the machine. This allows pre-setting, in-process local measurements and scanning of the contour machined.
For more information, visit the GFMS website.
United Grinding WALTER Tool Loading System
United Grinding recently introduced a new type of automated loading system for use with its WALTER Helitronic Mini Power, Helitronic Diamond Evolution and Helitronic Essential machines.
The WALTER Top Loader is a space-saving automation solution designed to enhance overall productivity by reducing the tool loading time during grinding operations.
Equipped with a swiveling arm with a single gripper, the Top Loader uses two standard WALTER robot pallets – one for the blanks and one for finished tools.
Set-up of the tool pallets is completed automatically through a patent-pending electrical teaching routing and, depending on the tool diameter, these pallets can be loaded with up to 500 tools.
With the Top Loader, tool changeover takes only 27 seconds.
Because the Top Loader is integrated directly into the select WALTER machines, no additional floor space is required for the automated loading capabilities. Furthermore, the loading system’s integrated design does not restrict the working envelope of the machine.
For more information, visit the United Grinding website.
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