Page 73 - Fall 2024 EDM Today

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After the formal demonstration to the group, I met with Fabian
Sendelbach, a VOLLMER Application Engineer, to discuss some
details of the new technology.
As I understand it, this technology was conceived in 2018 by a
German engineering student. The process begins with a robot
picking up a part to be deburred. In the demonstration, it was a
cutter roughly ¼” in diameter. The robot submerges the part into
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a tank fi lled with tap water. There are ultrasonic horns that create
vibrations at 20 kHz. The energy imparted into the tank moves
burrs that were created in the edges back and forth so quickly
that they fatigue and fall off. Only burrs are impacted. The parts
are otherwise unchanged.
This is defi nitely a follow-up that will occur as we explore with VOLLMER the applicability of this process for
removing the small burrs from EDM cuts.
Most EDM Today readers know VOLLMER through the EDM products
they make for producing tools. Their VPulse 500 is a Wire erosion
machine for manufacturing and servicing PCD-tipped tools. They also
produce two-in-one machines that combine grinding and EDM in a
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single machine.
All of VOLLMER’s equipment supports automation. In the VOLLMER
booth, there were a number of machines that featured various robots
and parts handling equipment. One standout feature that I noticed was
the care that went into the aesthetics of the equipment and the effort
to make the operator interface ergonomic. Most of the HMIs that I saw
were located in pivoting, adjustable arms that allowed the operator
to locate the HMI in a position of both comfort and readability of the large, bright display. All of the equipment was
nicely enclosed. No doubt both a safety feature, but also a feature to help keep any process mists inside and promote
a cleaner shop work environment.
VOLLMER has always designed and produced innovative equipment and developed a reputation for reliability. It will
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be very interesting to see how their latest deburring technology improves corners on aerospace and medical parts.
From what I saw, it can potentially set a new best practice for deburring EDM cuts.
vollmer-group.com/en-us

Centrally located in the South building, Winbro had an ideal location to show-
case its EDM products. Upon entering the booth, I was met by Chris Pinciak,
Winbro’s Vice President of Innovation—a title that strikes me as great, as Winbro equipment is certainly innovative.
Chris and I sat down to discuss Winbro’s EDM drilling technol-
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ogy. I asked Chris what is unique about Winbro’s technology.
He explained that Winbro equipment is designed based on
their customers' needs. He added that, today, fl oorspace is at a
premium. Customers want high production rates with a minimal
footprint. Winbro engineers designed a highly integrated pack-
age that delivers high performance levels in a small space-con-
scious package.

Chris added that the units are completely sealed, which allows
them to be used at plants around the world and meet the most
rigid safety standards. However, while footprint and enclosure (Continued on next page)
sealing are nice, the real benefi t of Winbro technology is the
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cutting speed and productivity.

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EDM Today, Fall 2024 Issue