Page 59 - Fall 2024 EDM Today

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The Tri-Mist is also extremely compact and can be very
effective where space is limited. The unit is also quiet, with
a specifi cation of < 68 db – similar to normal conversation.
With up to 1400 M3/Hr (824 CFM) of airfl ow, the unit sup-
ports a large work tank.
Bob also showed me a new compact centrifuge capable of
fi ltering to the sub-micron level. While not applicable to EDM
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dielectric, it is applicable to lubricating oils used commonly
in all of our machine tools. It is common knowledge that
oil that comes out of 55-gallon drums is not necessarily
pristine. Many bulk-oil storage systems include mechanical
fi ltration to clean particulates from the oil as it is transferred
to storage, but that fi ltration is typically only on the 5-10 mi-
cron range. Being able to clean the lubricants to sub-micron
levels before applying to ball screws, linear bearings, and
spindles will be benefi cial to the life of these components.
oem.mann-hummel.com

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MAZAK
Booth 338300
It’s fair to say that most people think of Mazak for chip cutting, which is true, but it is
also applicable to graphite machining. I visited the Mazak booth and met an old friend,
Bob Beale, who I must say was the fi rst person to introduce me to a proper order of English Fish & Chips in the USA.
Bob asked Joe Wiker, Mazak’s Advanced Multi-Tasking Manager
from their Cybertec Division, to join us. Joe showed me their VARI-
AXIS i-600 NEO vertical machining center. This machine, along with
others in the Mazak product portfolio, is available with a graphite
package. These include a sealed enclosure with a dust collection
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system and protection for internal bearings.
The VARIAXIS is a full 5-axis machine that handles complex curved
surfaces. It comes standard with an 18,000 RPM spindle, but a
20,000 RPM spindle can be ordered
for graphite applications. A 30-tool
magazine is standard, but a larger
capacity option holding 40, 80, or
120 tools can be ordered.
The machine is fast! It can achieve
rapid traverse rates of 60 m/min
in the XY axes, and 56 m/min in
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result in low cutter vibration, extended tool life, and superior fi nishes. EDM Today Magazine
the Z axis. The VARIAXIS includes
Mazak’s Smooth AI CNC with
integral AI technologies that sup-
port features such as using sensor
feedback to minimize vibrations. For simple electrode geometries, programming can
be done at the machine within the MAZATROL programming environment.
There are several automation options that allow the machine to function as part of an
automated workcell. Joe indicated that the structure will accommodate heavy chip
cutting. For graphite, the high rigidity, combined with the Mazak Smooth control will

The Mazak offerings with the graphite package are worth a look.
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mazak.com
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EDM Today, Fall 2024 Issue