15 February 2006 -- Incorporating most of the high technology features of the well-proven Fanuc Robocut Alpha OiC wire electro-discharge machine, 600 Centre of Shepshed near Loughborough, UK, is introducing a low-cost GBP 50,000 machine to the market that is ideal for workshop and training type establishments. The Fanuc OiCe incorporates the machine builder's latest Nano Interpolation, AI pulse control, non-electrolysis AC cutting and AI active corner control. The machine has a maximum capacity of 650mm by 450mm by 180mm with table travels of 320mm by 220mm and an up to 500kg loading.
With these features, cycles can be performed making use of the ultra-fine pitch of 0.001 mm and high speed cutting rates up to 330 m2/min using the more economical 0.3mm brass wire.
Roundness levels within 1.2 microns can be held on a 30 mm diameter hole, for example, and surface finishes of 0.7 micrometers can be maintained.
AI pulse control enables precise monitoring of the number of pulses applied to the process thus optimising the energy density and discharge gap between wire and workpiece during the cutting process.
Smoother feed rates are achieved through the incorporation of Nano Interpolation software that distributes positioning commands from the Fanuc 180 is-WB control with a pitch of 0.001mm (one-nanometre) to the ultra-high resolution axis servomotors.
Meanwhile, AI active corner control will pre-empt a change in either roughing or finishing cutting paths and removes any slack from the wire feed system.
