Makino’s EDAF3 sinker has new mechanical design

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2014-11-22 11:27:00

The EDAF3 sinker EDM boasts a new mechanical design intended to increase rigidity and reduce thermal distortion, especially for machines installed in uncontrolled environments or used over the course of long hours of unattended burns. Along with a newly designed casting system, the EDAF3 is also equipped with an improved servo system that has quicker response to signals generated by the spark gap monitoring system.

A new on-board programming system, Makino Program Generator (MPG), was designed to make the powerful Makino MGH control more user-friendly, while generating more aggressive model plans to meet the demands of shortened lead-times on today’s shop floor. By providing answers to simple prompts, and inputting basic data, even novice operators will be able to generate efficient and safe burn routines. This new program generator also allows for programming of multiple electrodes and multiple burn locations.

ArcFree technology is standard on these new machines. In the past, if a CNC sinker happened to develop a destructive DC arc during machining, the job would have to be stopped, and both the workpiece and the electrode would require cleanup of the area that was arced. Sometimes the electrode or the workpiece, or both, would be scrapped due to this DC arc activity. All modern sinker EDM machines have anti-arc, or arc prevention, circuits. The EDAF-Series machines have the most highly sophisticated spark gap monitoring and arc prevention circuits available today. This new technology will provide peace of mind, as the machines can be relied upon to burn any application, unattended, with virtually no possibility of developing a destructive DC arc during the course of the burn. Even jobs that offer less-than-optimal surface areas of burn due to electrode/workpiece geometry can easily be started with unusually high current density, and can be relied upon to perform flawlessly throughout the burn.

Both EDAF models will be available with a fine-hole option, and HQSF™ (High Quality Surface Finish) capability. Other standard and/or optional performance enhancing features include Makino’s Z-axis stabilizer, dielectric fluid cooling unit, ram temperature controller, and high precision Mi C-axis head. A new power-saving mode automatically activates at the end of machining, reducing the machine’s power consumption while idle by 70 percent.

Relying on Makino’s proven rise-and-fall drop-tank design, the EDAF-Series is user-friendly and favorable for automation. The EDAF2 and EDAF3 can be factory ordered for left-hand- or right-hand-mounted controls, facilitating easy integration of one or more machines with a variety of commercially available electrode and work-pallet handling robots.

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