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.