Designed to achieve precision in complex metal geometries, the Sodick A325 is regularly being used by the Broanmain engineering team to support customers with precision parts.
In one of the most recent projects, the machine was used to create a mechanical flexure device to hold a batch of sleeve pins with high degree of concentricity.
Connected to the company’s CAD Solidworks and Bobcad systems, the wire erosion machine enables Broanmain’s engineering manager Kamil Stec to programme the machine to run uninterrupted overnight.
Stec said: “It’s an incredibly accurate machine that controls the cutting of complex shapes in the smallest of work pieces, no matter the hardness. Because there is no direct contact between the wire and the conductive material, it means we can machine components with thinner walls without worrying about vibration.”
Now with more than 15 tooling machines located on-site, including CNC mills, a ZNC spark eroder, lathes and a profile projector, Broanmain has all of the automated and manual equipment to react to ad-hoc or regular tooling and mechanical repair projects.
Stec added: “CNC milling gives us speed, especially with the addition of state-of-the-art cutting tools that enable hard milling. Yet, EDM produces the fine features and precision. It works by feeding a 0.25mm brass wire through the workpiece removing particles. The EDM process takes much longer. However, it excels at making fine cuts, very narrow grooves, precision bores, and complex shapes with tight tolerances. It’s especially good for achieving very sharp corners. We can now create tool design features such as lifters, side actions and inserts more promptly and at a lower cost to our customers.”
