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.
>
>