Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] re:Re: wire cutting edm

ballendo,
Foam EDM is a variation of CNC machining and Wire EDM is another
variation. Similar, but the machines are arranged somewhat differently.
Here is a brief description for those interested:
http://www.njpt.com/whatis.htm
and
http://claymore.engineer.gvsu.edu/~jackh/eod/manufact/electric/electric-1.html
and
http://www.advancepublishing.com/Technical/wire1.html
and
http://www.jobshop.com/techinfo/papers/wireEDM.shtml
There's plenty more on the web search.

It seems, the usual cnc technology is used to 4 axis' with wire controllers
and to automaticly feed the wire thru starting holes (also p edm'ed) and
wire voltage controlled to +-2V from set piont.
Surely, a 2 axis unit can be cobbled up from printer parts (or foam sleds)
and a good regulated wire PS (borrowed from the stepper supply). Since there
is no machining reaction and minimal friction to overcome, the whole bag
of tricks can be built from your existing cnc drivers and junkbox goodies.
What do you think, guys?
Rich, checking over his junk box inventory.
P.S. Re-threading may be a no-no. "We don't break wires, do we?" :-)

ballendo@... wrote:

>
> Rich D wrote:
> >diazden,
> >The very thing I have my brain cooking up! At least a 2 axis unit,
> >at first. From what I understand this would be<snip>
> >>diazden wrote:
> >>now there is another subject has anyone on this list made a
> >>successful cnc edm wire cutter?
> >>regards mariano
>
> Rich, Mariano,
>
> Check out the R/C aircraft CNC "foamcutters" (wing cores of
> styrofoam, cut with a hot wire). They are controlling a 'wire' in the
> 4 axis ways an EDM will need to. They don't have to re-thread, and
> their wire doesn't "feed", but the machanics and control issues are
> otherwise similar.
>
> Find them under hot-wire CNC foam cutting. Neil Gillies (cced member)
> is one such person to get in touch with.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Ballendo
>
> P.S. I'd be interested in understanding how wire EDM "re-threading"
> is done? Pics, links, descriptions?
>

-
-==Rich=-=Colorado Midland Railway=-=<http://www.geocities.com/cmsteam/>