Facilities and equipment

The equipment below relates specifically to micro-machining applications; however, it is complimented by extensive machining and associated analysis facilities, key items of which include:

  • A Matsuura FX-5 high speed machining centre
  • Shortly to be installed Bridgeport FGC1000 grinding centre
  • MHP CNC turning centre
  • Hermle 5-axis CNC milling unit
  • Charmilles Robofil & Roboform 200 EDM wire & die sink machines
  • High voltage electrical discharge grinding and texturing systems
  • A range of 2D / 3D ultrasonic machining equipment.

On the analysis front, the Group has:

  • Several state of the art Kistler force measuring platforms
  • A rotating dynamometer (10000 rpm) and associated software
  • A Mitutoyo MVK-G3 microhardness unit
  • A Rigaku Strainflex X-ray diffraction residual stress analyser
  • A wide range of specimen preparation equipment.

The Group has its own surface metrology facilities including a number of portable Mitutoyo Surftest units and access to a wide range of Taylor Hobson surface analysis & roundness measuring instruments and DEA coordinate measuring machines fitted with Renishaw touch-trigger probes.

Matsuura LX-1 High Speed Machining Centre

Matsuura LX1The LX-1 is a recent addition to Matsuura's product range and is the result of more than 2 years extensive research into linear motor drive and ultra high speed spindle technology.

Linear motor technology offers greatly improved cycle times (~ 60% or more) over 'conventional ball screw' high speed machines together with increased accuracy and precision via a powerful CNC interface.

Another feature is the rapid tool change capability (3 seconds chip to chip) with 18 integrated station magazines. Ball nose end mills as small as 0.4 mm diameter can be accommodated.

These attributes make the LX-1 ideal for machining intricate and complex 3D shapes where high accuracy and excellent surface finish is required.

Additionally, the machine is fully equipped with Renishaw tool setting and component inspection probes. The machine is also linked to Delcam PowerSHAPE & PowerMILL software.

Specifications:

  • Work table area: 700 x 500 mm with a 500kg load capacity
  • Rapid traverse rate X/Y/Z: 90 m/min
  • Spindle speed range: 60 - 60000 rpm
  • Maximum spindle torque: 0.7 Nm
  • Spindle motor power rating: AC 3.0/4.5kW
  • Feedrate: 1 - 30000 mm/min
  • Acceleration: 1.5 G
  • Positioning accuracy: ± 2 µm / full stroke
  • Control system: Fanuc CNC L-Tech 15i

Agiecut Vertex wire EDM machine

Agie Vertex 4The new Agiecut Vertex ED wire cutting system incorporates state of the art technology and methods to meet the demands of high accuracy for micro machining applications (with wire diameters down to 20 µm).

Job precision is achieved through automatic regulation of several factors such as heat sources, worktank water level, axes positioning etc. by 'intelligent' sensors.

Wire threading / removal is fully automated while Agie's new object oriented, PC based console allows easy user-machine interface and operational control.

Process / machining efficiency is further increased with over 1300 predefined technology settings available in the machine database for a combination of wire and workpiece materials. The machine also operates a dual spooling system for quick change of different wire diameter or material.

Specifications:

  • Workpiece dimensions (H x W x D): 80 x 300 x 200 mm with 35kg maximum load
  • Axes travel (X / Y / Z): 220 / 160 / 100 mm
  • Wire diameters: 0.2 down to 0.02 mm
  • Positioning accuracy: ± 1 µm
  • Start hole size: wire diameter + 50 µm
  • Control system: AGIEVISION 3

Agietron Compact 1 Micro die sink machine

Agie Compact 1DThe Compact 1 Micro is a 4-axis EDM die sinking machine. In addition to machining intricate profiles / cavities using form electrodes, the Compact 1 is also designed to produce high precision micro holes (down to ~ 10µm quoted diameter) and slot / mill.

It is equipped with a number of accessories including a high speed rotating spindle, mini collet chuck holder and associated a mini collet chuck set (for clamping of electrodes from 0.2 to 2.0 mm shank diameter) together with a microscope for the centring of electrode and workpiece.

Specifications:

  • Work table area: 490 x 330 mm with a 200kg load capacity
  • Axes travel ( X / Y / Z): 250 / 160 / 250 mm
  • Axes positioning speed: 720 mm/min
  • Positioning accuracy (X / Y / Z): 1 µm
  • Rotation axis accuracy (C axis): 0.001°
  • Spindle speed: 100 - 2500 rpm
  • Maximum working current: 30A with Agiepuls HSF generator
  • Control system: AGIEMATIC T with simultaneous 4 axis control