Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Software for wire EDM control?

Alan & Jon,
I have used the Hitachi WEDM (1994 model) many times at school. It is old
and does not have all the bells & whistles that the new ones have (thankyou!).
We use a plain g-code prog (no g0, z, or tool calls). Only coordinate positioning.
It is 4 axis, but we have not learned how to use the U-V as yet.
It does auto backup when a problem with the cut is sensed to retry for a good
cut. This happens sometimes at the end of a cut when the scrap drops and fouls the wire.
Auto tracing to retract or retrace/restart a cut is a feature.
It cuts thru any metallic or conductive material. The fastest I have seen is about
.2"/min. thru steel. We use plain tap water flush as Atlanta water is almost
mineral free. Cuts are very smooth and predictable.
Wire is hard brass .010" dia. fed continuously thru tensioning rollers and saffire guides.
Power is applied to the wire via graphite rubbing blocks.
If anyone would like info or pics to help design a home built, just ask.
There is no internal documentation available, but a user manual 4" thick!
We have been repairing it ourselves, so know a little of the guts of it.
RichD



Jon Elson wrote:

>
> Alan Marconett KM6VV wrote:
>
> >Hi Tony,
> >
> >Interesting question. What would you have the EDM electrode do? I
> >haven't followed EDM too closely, but for hobby use, it would seem that
> >the electrode (held in the spindle), would be brought down to the work,
> >spark started, then the electrode would have to be advanced as it
> >burned.
> >
> No, the Subject line specifically states WIRE edm. The most versatile
> wire EDM has a fine wire stretched between two guides, and constantly
> rolling through the guides with a system of rollers and spools. The
> two guides can be moved independently on separate XY axes. This
> way, you can bore slanted, or conical, holes in things. you can even
> do very obscure and difficult shapes. Imagine a punch and die set
> for punching out motor armatures laminations, for instance, with
> draft in the die so the parts don't jam. The wire EDM can do all that
> (if you can figure out how to program the path).
>
> Jon