PECM Issue 38 2019 | Page 137

The use of continuous carbon fibre in 3D printing (AM) adds strength to fixtures and tools, which can also be used in the EDM process to hold difficult parts. A list of jobs depicted over time make capacity utilisation easier to grasp and assist forward-looking production planning and the overview - taking your manufacturing to the next level.   LIGHTS-OUT OPERATIONS Automation is giving manufacturers even more ways to take advantage of the unique capabilities of EDM for example, diamond wheel dressing in the diamond cell. The Mitsubishi’s Intelligent Auto- Threading system means wire threading at break point is required with maximum dependability ensuring that jobs left to run unattended are completed with no worries. The systems McAnywhere 3 4 remotely allows the user to, if necessary, monitor and adapt programs running with connectivity via a PC, laptop or tablet.   EDM FOR AM AM, Additive Manufacturing or 3D printing is a process that fundamentally differs from conventional machining methods. Unlike subtractive manufacturing, in which material may be milled or turned (subtracted away), additive manufacture involves the addition of material built up layer by layer, which is melted or bonded to create prototypes and end-use parts.   The lights out operation means that jigs and fixtures can be printed overnight allowing machining centres to generate profit not undermining the cost of the job. Alternatively, the revolutionary affordable metal AM technology developed by 3D printer manufacturer Markforged may provide additional income from printing in metal, either finished parts or metal fixtures. This AM technology uses a filament comprised of metal powder and plastic binder — after printing, the binder is dissolved away, and the metal powder is sintered into a full metal part and a technology that is used at our customer demonstration centre in Rugby, Warwickshire. Demonstrations and sample parts of Mitsubishi EDM cut pieces and Markforged 3D printed parts can be arranged by calling 01788 577288 or visiting www.mitsubishiedm.co.uk / www.hkh3.com MANUFACTURE Tooling Development End-Use Parts Assembly Inspection Production EDM TECHNOLOGIES WWW.MITSUBISHIEDM.CO.UK 5 EDM Wire EDM Sinker EDM Fast Hole Drilling EDM