A diamond application for EDM

Mitsubishi EDM has been working with scientists at the KSF Institute of the University of Furtwangen in Tuttlingen, Germany to develop a process that will transform the way the grinding sector operates.

The specially developed V350 EDM generator machine has been configured to be able to dress diamond wheels commonly used on grinding machines throughout the UK. Some companies can have as many as 10, 20 or even 50 grinders and each one will need the diamond wheel redressed every couple of days.

Traditionally, this is a very costly and time-consuming process, with the diamond on diamond approach lacking precision and also contributing to stress being introduced to the wheel.

“This no longer needs to be the case,” explains Scott Elsmere, sales and applications manager at HK Technologies, which has been the main supplier of Mitsubishi EDM machines in the UK since 2001.

“Using Mitsubishi technology in the dressing of diamond wheels can improve the wheel life by up to three times and grinding removal rates can be significantly increased. Far less power and stress are placed on the machine thanks to how freely the chips flow from the wheel.

“It also opens up the possibility to dress wheels with detail and the ability to take wheels straight from the shelf and cut bespoke geometries when required, including multi-wheel packages.”

He adds: “Multiple wheel adapters are available and automation, such as Mitsubishi’s Diamond Cell, which features a Melfa series multi-axis robot and 22 magazine as a base point, delivers the overnight production and redressing companies are looking for.”

HK Technologies – which was recently acquired by the Engineering Technology Group – works closely with Mitsubishi EDM’s European headquarters in Dusseldorf, providing its UK customer base with access to the latest Wire EDM and die sinking machines.

This includes the popular MV-R, MP and MX Series wire erosion and also the EA and SG spark eroding series.

“Our applications engineers have been working on these products for more than 20 years and can walk the customer through the entire process, from selecting the right machine to installation and training so they get the most out of their investment,” Mr Elsmere comments.

“Mitsubishi is known the world over for its solid machine construction, complete electronics and control packages. Toolmaking and job shops have enjoyed the benefits for years, now it’s the turn of the grinding sector to get the most out of our technology.”

Mitsubishi EDM www.mitsubishiedm.co.uk