GF Machining Solutions LLC
560 Bond Street
Lincolnshire, IL 60069 US
800-282-1336 | 847-913-5300
info@gfms.com
gfms.com/us
About GF Machining Solutions LLC
GF Machining Solutions is the world’s leading provider of machine tools, diverse technical solutions and services to manufacturers of precision molds and tooling and of tight-tolerance, precision-machined components.
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Video Gallery
Puzzle mold technology: the key to superior tires
Discover our EDM and Milling technologies to produce puzzle molds for tire production. Learn how these cutting-edge production ...
Tire mold engraving: direct milling for high-performance tires
Explore how direct engraving is revolutionizing tire mold manufacturing! In this video, we dive into the Milling techniques used for ...
レーザー加工事業に新規参入で受注増!-3Dフェムト秒レーザー微細加工機 LASER P400U-ニッシンパーテクチュアル
ニッシンパーテクチュアル社(旧社名:日新精機)は、当社のマシニングセンターや放電加工機を複数台お持ちの埼玉県の ...
Efficiency in practice - seminar at Polcomm
We invite you to watch our short video from the Seminar on increasing the efficiency of the milling process, organized by the ...
As Seen On Modern Machine Shop
GF Machining Solutions LLC Supplies the Following Products
- Bed-Type Milling
- CAD/CAM Software
- Consulting
- EDM Filtration Equipment & Supplies
- EDM Tooling
- Electrode Materials, EDM Wire & Supplies
- for Metal Parts
- Graphite Milling
- Horizontal, Five-Axis
- Horizontal, Up to Four-Axis
- Knee & Column Milling, Non-ATC
- Laser Marking Systems
- Lasers, Excimer
- Lasers, Nd: YAG, Pulsed
- Maintenance & Repair
- Marking & Engraving
- On-Machine Probes
- Pallet Changers - Automatic
- Pallet Changers/Shuttles & Programmable Transfer Devices
- Pallet Systems
- Planer, Gantry & Bridge Type Milling
- Powder Bed Fusion
- Ram Type (Die-Sinking) CNC EDM
- Ram Type (Die-Sinking) Manual EDM
- Small Hole EDM
- Spindles
- Toolchangers
- Toolholders
- Training
- Universal
- Universal Milling Machines
- Vertical, Five-Axis
- Vertical, Up to Four-Axis
- Welding Machines & Equipment
- Wire Type EDM
- Workholding, Custom
Trade Names Offered by GF Machining Solutions LLC
- Integrated Vision Unit
- Intelligent Power Generator
- Microlution
- +GF+
- Smart Machine
- Uptime+
- Liechti
- Step-Tec
- AgieCharmilles
- Intelligent Tool Measurement
- System 3R
- AC Form HMI
- Mikron
Editorial, News, and Products
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Supercritical Success for Medical Machining
High-pressure carbon dioxide coolant can dramatically improve the production rate of titanium parts while leaving no residue — an excellent fit for medical machining.
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United Grinding Signs Agreement to Acquire GF Machining Solutions
United Grinding has signed an agreement to acquire the GF Machining Solutions division of Georg Fischer AG, aiming to establish a global presence in ultra-precision machining.
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GF Machining Solutions Wire EDM Features Improved Thermal Stabilization
The Cut F 600 wire EDM features machining enhancements and functions to automatically identify and adapt wire speed during the wire EDM process.
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New Look, New Feel, New Robots at System 3R
Are AMRs the next big trend in job shop automation? System 3R’s IMTS booth will emphasize both its specialty EDM tooling and its automation products, including an autonomous moving robot.
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GF Machining Solutions' Smart Manufacturing System Boosts Production
GF Machining Solutions announces System 3R innovations in milling, laser, EDM, electrode manufacturing and automation, amongst others.
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GF Machining Solutions Celebrates 70 Years of EDM Technology
GF Machining Solutions is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its discovery of EDM Technology.
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Orthopedic Event Discusses Manufacturing Strategies
At the seminar, representatives from multiple companies discussed strategies for making orthopedic devices accurately and efficiently.
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GF Machining Solutions Appoints New Managing Director
Onik Bhattacharyya will oversee the GF Machining Solutions product portfolio for the North American market region.
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Where Micro-Laser Machining Is the Focus
A company that was once a consulting firm has become a successful micro-laser machine shop producing complex parts and features that most traditional CNC shops cannot machine.
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GF Machining Solutions Platform Enables Remote Troubleshooting
The My rConnect provides a virtual link between a machine and the company’s service and support team, often eliminating the need for a technician to travel to a customer’s shop.
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Hybrid Control Makes Lights-Out EDM More Accessible
This CNC enables EDMs to switch between G-code and an integrated CAM system to adapt to changing conditions and make lights-out manufacturing more attainable.
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EDM, Laser Micromachining and More at GF Medical Demo Center
At GF’s Medical Center of Competence, the company shows off EDM and laser features that could make a large impact on medical manufacturing — and elsewhere.
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Automation and Process Simplification Define Eastec 2023
Manufacturing technology at this year’s Eastec met the market with tools to streamline operations and assist machinists in achieving greater productivity.
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GF Machining Solutions EDM Features Enhanced Control
The Cut F 600’s iWire function automatically identifies and adapts wire speed to changing erosion height conditions during the wire EDM process, eliminating wire breakage while reducing overall wire consumption.
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GF Machining Solutions Relocates Parts Warehouse
The new facility near Indianapolis, Indiana, uses predictive intelligence to ensure availability as well as quick shipment of critical components.
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GF Divisions Complete Construction of Mexico Facility
A grand opening event will be held on May 3, 2023, from 5:30-9:00 p.m. at the facility in Apodaca, Mexico.
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GF Machining Solutions Plans to Open New Medical Manufacturing Facility
The new center will provide medicamanufacturers with applications support and production technologies, including precision milling, EDM, laser texturing, micromachining and automation
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10 Ways Additive Manufacturing and Machining Go Together and Affect One Another
Forget “additive versus subtractive.” Machining and metal additive manufacturing are interconnected, and enhance the possibilities for one another. Here is a look at just some of the ways additive and machining interrelate right now.
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Jorgensen Announces New Company President and COO
Karl Kleppek will head the company’s day-to-day operations and execute business development strategies for growth.
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An Additive Manufacturing Machine Shop
Finish machining additively manufactured implants requires different pacing and workflow than cutting parts from stock — different enough for an experienced manufacturer to warrant a dedicated machine shop.
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GF Machining Establishes Medical Center of Competency
Company has invested in medical manufacturing, establishing new center and appointing a medical business development manager, Donn Wuestenberg, to head its operations.
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GF Machining Solutions Names New North America President
Chris Jones to be the company’s president and managing director of North America. He brings over 25 years of industry experience.
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GF Machining Solutions Debuts Automation-Forward EDM
With more than 600 pre-programmed cutting processes, the Cut P 550 Pro covers a wide range of parts in materials such as steel, carbide, copper, aluminum, titanium, polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and graphite.
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New Five-Axis Milling Machine, Horizontal Wire EDM for Medical
GF Machining Solutions’ Mikron Mill E 500 U five-axis milling machine and Cut AM 500 horizontal wire EDM are designed to work seamlessly alongside the company’s additive manufacturing systems for complete medical part processing and optimized workflow.
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Velo3D Expands European Executive Team
Velo3D signals a commitment to advancing additive manufacturing and 3D printing systems overseas by adding two new executive team members in Europe.
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GF Machining Offers OPC UA 1.0 Common Communication Solution
GF Machining now offers OPC UA version 1.0 as a cross-platform communication and connectivity solution, pushing closer to the Industry 4.0 ideal.
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Holding Submicron Part Tolerances
Sunlight-Tech Inc. has used GF Machining Solutions’ Microlution laser micromachining and micro-milling centers to produce parts with tolerances tighter than 1 micron.
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GF Machining Expands Direct Support Areas
GF Machining has announced that it will transition to direct sales and support, starting Jan. 1 for several states across the U.S.
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Cutting AM Parts from Build Plate Turns Wire EDM Upside Down
GF Machining Solutions found it had to modify nearly every aspect of a wire EDM machine to efficiently handle the challenges of removing 3D printed parts from build plates. Here is a look at a machine tool developed entirely for the needs of metal additive manufacturing.
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Hexagon VISI 2021 Improves CAD Analysis
Hexagon's VISI 2021 includes new analysis-shading modes to improve CAD analysis.
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When Machining Lights Out Leaves Nothing Out
A Top Shops honors program winner strives to ensure every part crosses paths with a robot, cobot or pallet changer.
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Air Casters Keep Shop Floors Damage-Free
Using air casters from AeroGo helps machine tool manufacturer AgieCharmilles, a division of GF Machining Solutions, move equipment around its showroom without denting or scratching its new epoxy floor.
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AgieCharmilles Cut 2000 X Features Integrated Measurement for Edge Detection
The AgieCharmilles Cut 2000 X wire EDM from GF Machining Solutions is said to offer high accuracy and productivity for demanding applications.
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GF Machining Solutions' Mikron HSM 200U LP Designed for Small Medical Shops
The HSM 200U LP machining center from GF Machining Solutions is available in three- and five-axis versions bringing speed, efficiency and precision to the machining of small medical components.
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GF Machining Solutions' Spark Track Monitors, Adjusts EDM Wire for Irregular Shapes
GF Machining Solutions’ Spark Track technology for wire-cutting EDMs prevents wire breakage that occurs when cutting irregularly shaped workpiece features.
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News of Note: Machine Redesign, CAM Credentials and Solar Energy
Among the industry news of note in October 2019 is GF Machining Solutions’ rebranding of its machines, a cutting tool technology expo coming up in November and a huge solar panel installation on which Toyoda has broken ground.
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Additive Advances Highlighted at Grand Opening
GF Machining Solutions put its technology on display for its North American customers, highlighting advances in EDM spark monitoring and support for additive manufacturing technology.
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GF Machining Solutions Introduces Updated Look to Its Machines
Products with the new design fully applied will have the LED-lit logo and technology identifier as well as additional color features.
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GF Machining Solutions' rConnect Dasboard Collects, Compares Shop Data
GF Machining Solutions has introduced rConnect, a digital services platform powered by Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) protocol.
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GF Machining Solutions Appoints New Leadership Roles
The former president of the Americas region has been promoted to head the global organization.
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June 2019 Product Spotlight: Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on different types of electrical discharge machining equipment.
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On Display at Eastec 2019
Here is an overview of some of the CNC machining and other technology showcased at the biennial manufacturing trade show.
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May 2019 Product Spotlight: Machining Centers
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on machining centers of varying capacities and configurations.
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AgieCharmilles Cut C 350 and 600 Wire EDMs Deliver Cost-Effective Performance
GF Machining Solutions offers the AgieCharmilles Cut C 350 and Cut C 600 wire EDMs for U.S. manufacturers that want higher performance with lower operating costs.
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AgieCharmilles Laser S Textures Parts with Greater Security
Shops that need an efficient surface texturing solution for product design and moldmaking may find the AgieCharmilles Laser S series from GF Machining Solutions to be the answer.
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High-Speed Graphite Mill Features Temperature Compensation
GF Machining Solutions’ high-speed Mikron Mill S 400/500 Graphite and Mikron HSM 500 Graphite are dedicated specifically to graphite machining.
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VMC Tackles Tough Materials, Complex Forms
IMTS 2018: The Mikron Mill P 500 U VMC from GF Machining Solutions offers powerful material removal capabilities, high stiffness, precision and good part surface finish.
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June 2018 Product Spotlight: EDM
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on electrical discharge machines (EDMs) tailored to a variety of industries.
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Aerospace, Energy Machining Hub Supports Diverse Needs
Surrounded by defense contractors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), this GF Machining Solutions facility provides technology and expertise for applications ranging from specialty blade cutting to laser texturing.
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High-Speed Milling Machine Handles Graphite Applications
To meet the demands of mold and die machining, GF Machining Solutions has unveiled the Mikron HSM 500 Graphite high-speed milling machine.
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GF Machining Solutions Adds to Marketing, Sales Team
Dante Payva, Sammy Shabib, Heather Natal and Jon Carlson will support sales, service and support of the company’s milling, EDM and laser texturing solutions.
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Additive, Subtractive Methods Build Injection Mold for Better Temperature Control
An injection mold insert made with a combination of metal 3D printing and machining is capable of variotherm temperature control for improved part quality.
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EDM’s Optimized Pulses Reduce Electrode Wear
GF Machining Solutions’ Form P 350 die sinking EDM features precision-enhancing qualities and integrated technologies that are said to enhance productivity and profitability.
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Compact EDM for Small Shops Delivers Consistent Accuracy
GF Machining Solutions’ new compact Form E 350 machine is a die-sinking EDM solution for small shops.
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June 2017 Product Spotlight: EDM
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on a variety of electrical discharge machining equipment.
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New Tech, New Talent at GF Machining
This year’s annual open house marked the debut of not only a new series of wire EDMs, but also an apprenticeship program designed to serve as a pipeline of application and service engineers for years to come.
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Wire EDM Offers More Than Just Precision
Among other benefits, these two shops have saved significant production time by using wire EDM for part-cutoff operations previously conducted on bandsaws.
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Shop Grows Its EDM Machining Capabilities
Extreme Wire EDM Service Inc. could not efficiently machine large parts on its existing EDMs. The AgieCharmilles Cut P 1250 wire EDM solved this problem, reducing the time, effort and cost of setting up and producing the part.
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GF Machining Solutions Hires Director of Business Development
Karl Kleppek will oversee sales, business development and marketing.
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Mold Manufacturing Automation Leaves No Part Behind
The right mindset, the right five-axis technology and an intuitive approach to palletization help this mold shop extend automated control to the majority of its high-mix work.
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Economical Clamping System Suits T-Slot, Grid-Pattern Tables
The System 3R Delphin Zero Point system from GF Machining Solutions is designed as an affordable clamping system for use during heavy milling operations on a variety of machine tools.
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June 2016 Product Spotlight Slideshow: EDM
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on electric discharge machines, or EDMs.
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May 2016 Product Spotlight Slideshow: Laser & Waterjet
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on machines for laser and waterjet cutting.
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Saving Energy Synergistically
Energy-saving systems serve as an example of a machine tool functioning as a cyber physical system in which control loops are self-monitoring and self-adapting.
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March 2016 Product Spotlight Slideshow: Machining Centers
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on horizontal, vertical and five-axis machining centers.
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“Smart” Generator Technology Makes EDM Operation Intuitive
GF Machining Solutions offers four generator features that enable users to input desired burning results into the CNC, and let the system do the rest.
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December 2015 Product Spotlight Slideshow: Machining Centers
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on machining centers.
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Sinker EDM’s Toolchanger Holds 16 Electrodes
The AgieCharmilles Form 20 iRTC sinker EDM from GF Machining Solutions comes with an integrated rotary toolchanger (iRTC) to boost part processing flexibility while increasing capability for continuous, unattended operation.
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Getting Acquainted with Scott Fosdick
Scott is the new head of Market Region Americas for GF Machining Solutions, the brand that includes Agie Charmilles (EDM and laser texturing), Mikron (high-performance milling), System 3R (automation and tooling) and Leichti (five-axis milling machine for blades and blisks) and Step-Tec (machine tool spindles). I had the opportunity to meet Scott and get acquainted at the company’s Open House “Solutions Days” last week. Here is my report.
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Protection System Saves Spindles During Collisions
Collisions on a VMC can cause costly damage to the spindle as well as other machine parts, which prompted GF Machining Solutions to develop its Machine and Spindle Protection (MSP) feature.
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Wire EDMs Equipped with Moldmaking Features
GF Machining Solutions’ AgieCharmilles Cut 200/300 MoldTech series of wire EDMs is designed to meet the needs of moldmakers.
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Swiss Technology Tour
A recent Switzerland tour organized by the NTMA revealed insights on machine and spindle collision protection, fluids for deep-hole drilling and more.
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EDM Drilling Unit Improves Production for Aerospace Manufacturer
This shop utilized a hole-drilling EDM to improve setup time, manage labor hours and provide faster turnaround.
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Wire EDM for Jet Engine “Fir Trees”
Advances in wire EDM (electrical discharge machining) technology have made it acceptable for machining critical aerospace parts. It may now become the preferred method for cutting turbine disc “fir trees,” a particularly demanding application that highlights the benefits of this machining process.
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Houstex 2015 Preview Slideshow
Click through the slideshow to see a selection of technologies to be displayed at Houstex in advance of the February 24-26 trade show.
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GF Machining Solutions Opens “Center of Competence” Facility in SoCal
The company’s 106,000-square-foot facility includes machine demonstration space, customer training rooms, and resources for sales, service and applications staff for West Coast customers.
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HMI Designed for Wire EDM
The AC Cut human-machine interface (HMI) from GF Machining Solutions provides a common language for the company’s Cut line of wire EDM machines.
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High-Speed Machining Center for Mold and Die
The Mikron HSM 500 MoldMaster from GF Machining Solutions is intended for a range of mold and die-related applications, such as production of steel mold cores, hot pressing dies and sinker-EDM electrodes.
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March 2014 Product Spotlight: Machining Centers
This slideshow features the machining centers we cover in the Modern Equipment Review Spotlight section in our March issue.
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Introducing GF Machining Solutions
Georg Fischer AG, the global industrial firm based in Switzerland, has a new name for the division that supplies well-known brands of electrical discharge machines, high speed milling, automation/tooling, spindles and more.
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Five-Axis Milling Machine for Aerospace, Defense
The Mikron HEM 500U high-efficiency milling machine from GF AgieCharmilles offers high-performance five-axis capabilities designed for efficient, accurate cutting of aluminum, alloys and steel.
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A Smooth Transition to Five-Axis Machining
A mold manufacturer that specializes in precision, thin-walled container molds chose an integrated approach to establishing an effective five-axis “3 + 2” machining process.
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Diesinking EDMs Feature New HMI
GF AgieCharmilles’ Form 20 and Form 30 sinker EDMs are equipped with the company’s AC Form human machine interface (HMI) said to shorten the learning curve for beginner EDM operators.
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Five-Axis Milling Machine for High Speed Operations
GF AgieCharmilles will highlight its five-axis HEM 500U featuring an optional Mikron handling system and Heidenhain control.
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Die-Sinker EDM Increases Precision
Designed for micromachining, the Form 200 mS die-sinking EDM from GF AgieCharmilles is well-suited for applications such as molds for integrated circuits, cavities for light-emitting diodes and detailed connector forms.
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High-Speed Milling of Small, Complex Parts
GF AgieCharmilles' Mikron HSM 200U LP (linear performance) milling machine is said to increase speed, efficiency, precision.
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Five-Axis Machine for Continuous Milling
GF AgieCharmilles’ five-axis HEM 500U features a dynamic 12,000-rpm spindle and 30-tool magazine providing a chip-to-chip time of 2 sec.
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Sixty Years of EDM
GF AgieCharmilles has been involved in EDM technology for some 60 years now. Its recent International Technology Show in Losone, Switzerland was a good place to sense the history and current status of this technology.
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GF AgieCharmilles ITS
Guests from around the world gathered at GF AgieCharmilles’ main building in Losone, Switzerland, for the company’s International Technology Show, March 19-23, 2013. More than 700 users attended the event.
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Five-Axis Machine for Aerospace, Defense
The high-efficiency Mikron HEM 500U from GF AgieCharmilles provides five-axis capabilities for accurate and reliable parts production.
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High Speed Milling Machine for Small, Complex Parts
The Mikron HSM 200U LP milling machine from GF AgieCharmilles is available in three- and five-axis versions.
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Three-Axis VMC for Medium- to Large-Sized Parts
The Mikron HEM 800 three-axis VMC from GF AgieCharmilles is designed for high-precision production of medium- to large-sized parts for industries ranging from aerospace to electronics to die and mold.
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Moving in with a Customer
Shop owner Chris Nachtmann has established a close relationship with one of his biggest customers. In fact, he moved his operation inside that customer’s facility a couple years ago. Now, he’s making greater strides to invest in and grow his business.
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EDM Economizes Stamping Tool Production
High part volumes tend to be the norm for providers of stamping services, but the nearly 1 billion electrical contact connectors produced last year at Scenic Tool and Stamping aren’t such typical fare.
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GF AgieCharmilles Becomes a CCAM Member
As part of its membership to the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), GF AgieCharmilles supplied the Prince George County facility with an FO 550 sp die-sinking EDM.
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Fixtures Dovetail with Five-Axis Automation
Along with an in-house-designed line of custom dovetail fixtures, machines with the right features for automation provide benefits for both this five-axis specialist and its customers.
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Die Sinker EDM Features Rotary Tool Changer
GF AgieCharmilles’ Form 200 mS die sinker EDM machine features a modular, rotary tool changer for increased flexibility and lights-out, micromachining applications.
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Automatic Wire EDM Efficiently Machines Micro Parts
GF AgieCharmilles’ Cut 2000 EDM features automatic wire-changing capabilities and is said to be well-suited for micromachining applications.
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Auto EDM Wire Changers Compete at the High End
Automatic EDM wire-change capability can improve efficiency and reduce costs for high-end tool and die work, especially parts with small internal radii.
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Five-Axis Mill Features Linear Motor Technology
The Mikron HSM 600U LP high-speed milling center from GF AgieCharmilles uses linear motor technology to provide simultaneous five-axis, high-speed machining.
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Cell Controller Boosts Production Flexibility
By serving as the “brains” of a cell consisting of two machining centers and a work delivery system, cell control software from Erowa helps this manufacturer run lights-out 24/7 and achieve 90-percent spindle utilization.
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Laser Sintering and EDM: Complementary Processes?
An EDM machine from GF AgieCharmilles proves effective in separating laser-sintered parts from their base plate.
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A Novel EDM Application
GF AgieCharmilles designed the FO 550 SP die-sinking EDM, the company probably never imagined it would be used like this.
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EDM, Five-Axis Milling Technologies
The CUT 200 wire EDM is designed to provide faster spark-to-spark wire threading, increase energy efficiency and boost productivity when cutting parts of variable heights.
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Special High-Temp Alloys Spark Interest in EDM
Today’s wire EDM technology preserves the surface integrity of proprietary titanium alloys and other high-temperature materials, so aerospace and medical applications using this process are booming.
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EDM Energy Conservation Without the Effort
Most machine tool energy conservation systems simply track power consumption, placing the burden of actually reducing energy use on manufacturers. GF AgieCharmilles aims to change that with the EconoWatt II, an automated system for wire EDM.
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Five-Axis Mill Features Linear Motor Technology
The HSM 400U LP high speed milling machine from AgieCharmilles is designed to provide simultaneous five-axis, high speed machining and deliver powerful performance and precision.
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Tips for Controlling Oxidation and Pitting on a Wire EDM
Additives, machine settings, workpiece materials and current technology are factors in avoiding common problems with unwanted rust and surface defects.
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Wire EDM Improves Throughput, Surface Finish
This manufacturer insulates itself from global competitors by focusing on high-quality products across a range of industries. Just as important, however, is routine investment in new technology. The company’s latest acquisition, the AC Progress VP2 wire EDM from GF AgieCharmilles, has significantly reduced cycle time and improved throughput on the company’s precision stamping dies.
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This Golf Ball Mold is Really Cool
Producing this golf ball mold (left) involved both additive and subtractive manufacturing processes working together in an integrated fashion.
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Find Your Speed Outside of Machining
This short-lead-time mold shop achieves its most significant time savings by looking outside the machining cycle. However, one of those elements outside the cycle—palletized setup—ultimately led to cycle time savings via five-axis machining.
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Surface Texturing with Laser Ablation
Much of a product’s appeal to the consumer has to do with its look and feel—literally, the texture of its visible surface.
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Aluminum Molds In Three Weeks Or Less
While aluminum molds are commonly used to create prototypes or to serve as stopgap bridge tooling, they are starting to receive greater attention for production work. This shop’s approach to creating aluminum molds in one day to three weeks is the same for each of these situations.
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Wire-Cut EDM For Oil Dielectric
GF AgieCharmilles’ CUT 1000 OilTech wire-cut EDM is designed for precision machining of materials better-suited to oil dielectric than water-based dielectric. The EDM is equipped with built-in thermo stabilization.
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High-Speed, High Performance Medical Machining
GF AgieCharmilles’ Mikron HSM 400U ProdMed is a high-speed, high-performance machining center that is especially suited for medical manufacturing. The center includes a Heidenhain iTNC 530 control system and smart machining modules that provide advanced levels of monitoring critical to the production of medical implants and equipment, the company says. The system allows the machine to automatically check and evaluate tools and workpieces, inspect tools for breakage and perform measurements of the workpiece.
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Exploring Niches With New EDM Technologies
A shop specializing in wire EDM for large mold components now offers EDM “turning” of small, intricate parts. Despite the potential risks involved in early adoption of new technologies, the shop believes this practice gives it a leg-up on the competition and lets it gain experience with alternative machining techniques before offering them to customers.
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How To Handle Tall Wire EDM Work
Modular workpiece fixturing plays a vital role in this shop’s quest to win larger, more difficult wire EDM jobs.
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Eliminating Benchwork For Large Mold Surfaces
EDM dielectric additives can subtract labor costs for mold makers by eliminating the need for secondary hand polishing.
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Plug-And-Play EDM
This ram EDM unit was designed with a number of EDM "reduction" trends in mind-reduced floorspace requirements, rate of electrode wear and operation learning curve.
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Incremental Automation Pays Dividends
While successful mold makers agree that automation is necessary to remain competitive, they often have different opinions about how to integrate automation. This mold maker does it in gradual phases, and in doing so, it drives shopfloor workers to roles of greater responsibility.
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High Speed Wire Cutting Needs High Efficiency Filtration
High speed cutting with wire electrical discharge machining produces debris in the dielectric at a high rate. Without effective filtration, a wire machine quickly loses its ability to maintain high cutting speed, achieve the desired surface finish and obtain expected dimensional accuracy. Charmilles' approach to solving this problem has been to develop a filtration system that doubles the number of filter cartridges, from two to four.
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EDM Machines Help Shop Accomplish High Precision Work
Realizing the need to improve maintenance of dies and molds, this company purchased a ram EDM from Charmilles.
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Wire EDM Gets An Automatic
The development of automatic 'tool' changing for wire electrical discharge machining promises to revise the process strategies applied to many wirecut workpieces.
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High Speed In Simultaneous Five-Axis Machining
In mold and die work, simultaneous five-axis machining is a proven technology, as is high speed machining (HSM). High speed simultaneous five-axis machining, however, is still a pioneering development.
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Machining To Sub-Micron Accuracy--With EDM
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) has a long tradition of being one of the most pioneering of metalworking technologies. Shops with EDM learned (by necessity) to deal with unattended operation long before it became feasible elsewhere.
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Trends In EDM
Electrical discharge machines, both wire and ram type, have undergone rapid improvements in capability, economical operation, speed and flexibility. New applications are continually emerging as shops discover the advantages of this process.
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Fine Wire Is Just Fine
As parts get smaller and smaller, using EDM wire as small as 0.001 inch in diameter to cut these workpieces becomes an attractive option—actually, the only option.
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Installing That First EDM
This shop did it right. Their experiences provide useful guidelines for successfully installing a wire machine in a shop new to EDM.