The High-Quality Surface Finishes (HQSF™) additive technology from Makino improves finishes using copper, high-grade graphite (Poco-3, AFS), and medium-grade graphite (Poco-2, Poco200) on such ram EDM machines as the EDNC43S. Makino HQSF™ technology in many cases can eliminate the need for additional benchwork in certain applications, driving out operational costs.

Makino's HQSF™ uses an environmentally safe powder additive that is mixed with the dielectric fluid to improve electrical conductivity for more consistent discharging. This eliminates secondary discharges that waste energy and allow increased efficiency of the sparks, to achieve a superior finish without a loss in metal removal rates.

The additive-based technology has a major impact on finishing time, with a 40 to 50 percent or better improvement of achievable surface finish over conventional EDM sinkers in similar applications. It is available for all Makino Edge and EDNC S-version ram EDM machines.

HQSF™ is a remarkably practical method of machining that combines micro-discharge pulse control, high response servo technology and Makino's patented additive to improve machine throughput. Makino's HQSF™ provides numerous benefits over previously used silicon or chrome additives. This technology is expected to find application in many areas, including the machining of ribs and other hard-to-polish shapes, such as speaker grilles.

Superior, more uniform surface finishes are achieved on parts having a shallow Heat Affected Zone (HAZ). Finishing speeds are markedly faster than conventional EDM and stability of the machining process is enhanced.

Equalized distribution in the dielectric fluid is accomplished easily due to the low specific gravity of the micro SC™ additives. This results in superior sidewalls as well as bottom surface finishes. Unlike other additives, flushing is not necessary to sustain even additive distribution on sidewall areas. Another major improvement to this technology is the elimination of a dual dielectric system. A single dielectric system consumes less space and requires less overall maintenance than a dual dielectric system. In addition, micro SC™ costs less to use than other additives.

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