Page 52 - Fall 2024 EDM Today

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IMTS Update

Both programs are conducted in the Entegris class-
room at their Technical Center in Decatur, TX. Class-
room training is typically available three times per
year: in March, June, and October.
In addition to the online and live classroom training
options, Entegris has trained applications engineers
worldwide to support their customers' most de-
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manding applications. Entegris does not charge for
training. However, students are responsible for their
own travel expenses.

We talked a bit about what’s new in terms of materials. Rob indicated that their R&D Department constantly evalu-
ates the industry’s needs. However, they strongly focus on internal processes that allow them to maintain the highest
levels of consistency from batch to batch – from year to year. Many of their customers purchase graphite for certifi ed
processes. Entegris realizes the importance of giving these customers consistency in performance for the long term.
When asked what else they would like EDM Today’s readers to know about Entegris POCO Materials, Marc stated that
Entegris POCO works through a highly qualifi ed distribution network. He invites anyone who has not yet tried Entegris
EDM Today Magazine Booth 433228 West Building Booth 433228 West Building
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POCO Materials to contact one of their distributors and learn about the various product offerings.
poco.entegris.com

EDM PERFORMANCE ACCESSORIES

The team at EPA had a very busy IMTS. They had two booths. Their booth
in the West building was located in the additive area. The focus was on their Molybdenum (Moly) Wire EDM machine.
EDM Today had the opportunity to sit down with Clay Olson, EPA’s Regional Manager serving MN, WI, IA, SD, ND,
setting. Clay added that most people don’t EDM Today Magazine
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NE, and IL.
Clay showed me their model HB-800
machine that was in operation, taking
slices of highly interrupted cuts. He ex-
plained that this technology is also called
“Fast Wire.” While it is now commonly
accepted as the best practice for removing
additive parts from build plates, it is gaining
acceptance for general use in a job shop

realize how accurate these machines can
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be. There are some applications where ultra
high precision is not required. Shops are
learning that they can use these economical
Moly machines to do a fair amount of work,
freeing up time on their Wire EDMs. I asked
Clay to expand on the idea of the machine
being economical. He said that it is econom-
ical in every sense. In general, the machine
tool itself is signifi cantly less expensive
than a Wire EDM, but beyond that, it is also
much less expensive to operate. The Moly wire can be reused over and over, compared to a Wire EDM that uses the
wire only once. Moly wire typically lasts for 30-50 hours on a one drum fi ll-up. In general, the cost of operation is only
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$1.00 to $2.00 per hour accounting for all parts and consumables, even the cost of electricity.

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