Page 68 - Fall 2024 EDM Today

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IMTS Update

SST offers two larger models, the FE3 and FE6. The FE6 includes a 12-station ATC for unattended machining. It has
travels of (X, Y, Z) 23.62” x 15.75” x 15.75”.
Turning to consumables, Jim mentioned that they are the largest wire importers in North America. They carry all
major wire and fi lter brands. Jim added that graphite is a big consumable for them. They carry Entegris POCO
Materials and a high-quality house brand. Along with graphite, they carry EDM dielectric, the oelheld product line,
and a quality house brand.
Jim also talked about their vast inventory of EDM drilling tubes and accessories. They have both brass and copper
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in single-channel versions. They offer multi-channel tubes in copper.
Between guides, chuck, holders, and other accessories, they have one
of the most complete inventories anywhere.
After a while, we were joined by Tom Kucharski, SST’s Director of
Consumables Sales and Operations. Tom echoed what Jim told me
about highlighting their EDM Drill. He also added that a focus of the
show was to introduce their customers to bedra’s new blacspark wire.
bedra factory people were in the booth.
Between bedra and SST sales engineers, they worked to train their cus-
tomers on the new wire, and its performance characteristics, but also
to discuss the work that it is best suited for. blacspark wire is new, and
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testing has shown very impressive results. Tom characterized the wire
as being the next evolution in high-performance wire.
sstconsumables.com/en

SYSTEM 3R Booth 339458

I was welcomed into the System 3R booth by Craig Broetzman, Head of Sales for
System 3R. The focus of the 3R booth was automation. It is evident that 3R offers
many different options for automation that range from basic tool/pallet changers, such as their Workpal 1, through
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their Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) system that can move around the work fl oor, from machine to machine.
Craig talked me through their demonstration. At
the far end of their automation area was a Work-
Partner 1+ (WPT 1+). It is one of the featured
products in the booth. It is compact, but maximiz-
es capacity due to modular design and fl exible
storage options. It is well suited to serve one or
two machines.
During my
visit to the
System 3R
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EDM Today Magazine loading pallets onto the AMR, which then moves across the fl oor, trackless, to
booth, the
AMR was docked. Craig explained that their demo shows the WorkPartner
deliver parts to simulated work areas.
When delivering product to a work area, the AMR stops outside of the light
curtain. It requests entry and the light curtain is temporarily disabled to allow
the AMR to enter to either deliver or pick up materials.
While it’s true the entire system is designed for lights-out manufacturing, the
AMR functions as a collaborative assistant with people. Bumpers, Sonar, and
Lasers are used to detect obstacles in their path to avoid collisions. It is also
easy to add E-Stops. The AMR complies fully with ISO EN1525, JIS D6802, and
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ANSI B56.5 safety standards.
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