CNC MACHINING

WIRE EDM SERVICES

Facilities that form part of the CNC machining at the Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) include an Accutex 500iA wire Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). The machine makes use of a 0.25 mm brass wire that cuts through metals by means of an electrical erosion process. This technology enables the station to cut hardened steel with high precision.

The wire EDM technology supports precision machining and tooling processes and cutting of 3D printed metal parts. The machine produces numerous components for the firearm and tool making industries.

A local newspaper for example needed assistance to manufacture replacement components for a printing press. The only method that could cut the hardened steel rollers was by means of the wire EDM process, which the PDTS assisted with. This locally provided service reduces downtime of the printing press and therefore helps ensure productivity at the newspaper.

The movement of the machine is X-500 mm, Y-300 mm and it can accommodate a workpiece of up to 265 mm in height. The machine is extremely accurate and produces a very fine surface roughness of 25 microns.

CNC MILLING

The workshop of the Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) includes a faithful Dahlih 720 MCV vertical milling centre, which is the workhorse behind the tooling projects.

This machine handles anything from machining tool steel mould bases to machining intricate specialised parts from soft metals. Work done on it includes the machining of moulds for plastic products, wheelchair components and laboratory apparatus.

A local abattoir for example requested the PDTS to assist with the design and manufacturing of a plastic injection mould. This is used to produce a special plastic clamp utilised during meat processing. The CNC milling machine was utilised to mill all the parts needed for the mould. Localised manufacturing of these clamps accelerated meat processing and also reduced costs.

The machine movement is X-720 mm, Y-460 mm and Z-510 mm and the maximum spindle speed is 8000 rpm.

TURN-MILL SERVICES

The Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) is a proud owner of a Leadwell T-7 AM CNC turning centre with live tool capabilities in the Z- and X-axis. This combines turning and milling operations in one machine.

The turn-mill is responsible for machining components for various medical devices such as wheelchair hubs. Other products include an extruder for a large scale 3D printer, tooling and general machining projects.

A hobby rocket enthusiast for example approached the PDTS to machine a few sets of rocket motors from aluminium. The client was pleased to manufacture the motors locally as his only other option was to import it at a more expensive cost.

The station utilises the turn-mill for one-off components to series production components.

The machine has a maximum clamping capacity of 200 mm and can accommodate work pieces of up to 500 mm in length. The maximum spindle speed is 4500 rpm.