Page 66 - Fall 2024 EDM Today

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IMTS Update

As it performs these steps automatically, it reduces the skill level
that is required of the operator. Dodge added that SE-Connect is
ideal for work cells with multiple Seibu Wire EDMs, as it can tell the
operator which machine and which fi xture the part belongs.
The M50HP Wire EDM display was extremely popular at IMTS.
It has a large work tank and can support a workpiece weighing up
to 1,764 lbs. It can achieve a +/- 10° taper angle with an 11.8” tall
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workpiece. Optionally, it can support a +/- 45° taper angle with a
1.6” tall workpiece.
The M50HP supports a wire range of wire diameters from 0.07mm
to 0.3mm. The standard wire size is 0.2mm.
In discussing the M50 with Greg and Dodge, it was interesting to note that there is both an M50HP and an MM50UP.
The HP designates high-precision, while UP designates
ultra-precision. With one exception, minimum wire diameter,
the basic specifi cations are identical. The UP version sup-
ports smaller wire, down to 0.05 mm.
Aside from the UP version accommodating a smaller wire,
there is a difference in accuracy. The HP version has a rated
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pitch accuracy of +/-1 µm. The rated pitch accuracy on the
HP version is +/- 3 µm, which is excellent accuracy. It is fair
to say that there are very few applications that require better
than +/- 3 µm of accuracy, but for those people that need it,
they can get it with the UP version.
In summary, Seibu had a great booth and were showing
some very impressive equipment and options.
seibu-america.com

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Sodick took a somewhat unique approach to designing its very large
booth. Its equipment was arranged by application, focusing on the aero-
space, medical, and die/mold industries. Upon entering the booth, I met Brad Schwind, Sodick’s Marketing Manager.
Brad asked Marius Onica, Sodick’s Product Solutions Manager, to join us.
I asked what’s new. Brad explained that Sodick is focusing
on automation for IMTS 2024. They see the acute employ-
ee shortage and want to proactively offer their customers
various automation options. Their various demonstration
machines show both robot and cobot options. A new robot
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is being introduced at IMTS, and it is a Sodick-manufac-
tured robot. Their model SR12 is a 6-axis robot with the

fl exibility to load from the top or the side. Marius
explained one very nice feature is that they have a
common, standard interface for automation. This
makes interfacing with any automation system
straightforward and relatively easy.
The fi rst demonstration we looked at was die/mold. This
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included a UX-series high-speed mill and a new AL40G+
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