EDM Pages 77 to 82 Five Sinker EDM Advancements By Alan Hallman The most signiicant sinker EDM advancements involve machine design, software, artiicial intelligence (AI) tech-nology and automation systems. These evolutions help to meet critical mold-making demands, such as higher preci-sion, shorter lead times, reduced costs and greater repeatability. Here are ive The most important advancement in EDM is speed, which means fewer electrodes and fi ner surface of the newest EDM enhancements: fi nishes. . Speed has been the primary devel-opment for sinker EDMs, yielding fewer electrodes and iner surface inishes. In many cases, the In addition, some sinker EDMs incorporate real-time active surface inishes require minimal to no secondary manual sensors that alert operators to temperature changes and volu-polishing time. By combining automation systems, palletiza-metric errors. Others include functions to monitor the envi-tion and user-friendly operation with the latest sinker EDM ronment within and around the machine to help moldmakers developments, mold builders are improving consistency and maintain better climate control and improve accuracy. increasing unattended machining hours. . The increasing complexity of many workpieces requires . Innovations in better sinker EDM performance and automation solutions machine design are essen-that perform frequent changeovers between machines — for The most signifi cant tial to this increased example, implementing a robot on a sinker EDM to automat-sinker EDM advancements speed. Improved features ically change electrodes while changing out parts or adding a involve machine design, include thermal stability, graphite and hard milling machine into a cell for a complete additional rigidity and AI solution. software, AI technology that enable higher preci-. EDMs with robust adaptive controls are usually the easi-and automation systems. sion, higher jump speeds est and least expensive machines to automate. Additionally, and exacting consistency. intuitive, smartphone-like controls make machines more user-friendly and appealing to the next generation of mold-making professionals. . EDMs with AI enable the operator to enter/answer Putting EDM Automation to Work simple questions on the control before the machine takes over. Also, an AI-enabled sinker EDM may use real-time condi-When injection moldmaker Mantz Automation decided to upgrade its EDM tion monitoring within the burn and directly modify speciic capabilities to reduce outsourcing and have more control over the EDM process, it added a high-speed vertical machining center (VMC), a fi ve-axis parameters for a stable cut that produces optimal results. graphite machining center and a sinker EDM that can handle very large and Because AI technology analyzes this data, it can reduce over-small molds while reducing the amount of carbon used. all electrode wear and cost. Automation Operations Manager Todd Doerfert says that graphite ma-chining can be a shopfl oor bottleneck, particularly with simultaneous com-plicated projects. Graphite machining centers can build more electrodes faster and more effi ciently. Adding machines with automated functionalities became the path to achieving lights-out operation. Mantz’s most signifi cant supply chain issue has been fi nding workers, but automation has allowed the shop to reduce costs, improve accuracy and do more with fewer employees. FOR MORE INFORMATION MC Machinery Systems 630-616-5920 / info@mcmachinery.com / mcmachinery.com Alan Hallman, North American Sales Manager, EDM/Machining Technologies 82 MoldMaking Technology — — JULY 2023 Image courtesy of GF Machining.