Attracting the Next Generation while Satisfying the Current One

At Sodick’s recent Smart Technology Event in Schaumburg, Illinois, the company hosted more than 200 attendees, including Modern Machine Shop Editor Emily Probst, to showcase its new range of rigid linear-motor-driven wire EDMs and new electrode machining center.

The company launched an SL series wire EDM at the event. The series features four models in two specification levels: SL-Q and SL-G.

One enhancement that caught my eye was the SL series’ Sodick Control SPW (Smart Pulse Wire), which uses the Windows 7 operating system and functions similar to a tablet. Designed to keep the machine simple, yet help draw in the next generation of users, the operation screen enables operators to toggle between classic and tablet views, depending on preference.

Visitors could listen to vendor presentations, tour the facility and watch live machining demonstrations of the SL600G wire EDM, among others. The rigid linear-motor-driven EDM is coupled with glass scales on the X, Y, U and V axes to ensure precision and positioning accuracy. It features X-, Y- and Z-axis travel measuring 23.62" × 15.75" × 13.78", respectively. Wire diameter can range from 0.002" to 0.012", and the machine can accommodate workpieces ranging to 2,204 lbs.

The TT1-400A was also introduced at the event, although the concept was first shown at IMTS 2012. The latest version of the machine is designed for precision graphite and copper electrode machining using a 40,000-rpm, high-torque, high-speed HSK-E25 spindle.