Capable of producing corner radii of 0.00019 inches (0.005mm) and a surface finish of 0.000019 inches (0.5 micron) Ry, the EDAC1 from Makino is the world's most accurate Ram EDM.
EDAC1 was designed and built for those industries that require the highest precision possible, superior surface finish and integrity, and minimal inside corner radii. This is the ultimate Ram EDM for applications such as miniature electronics connectors and tooling, IC lead frames, and micro-molds. The EDAC1 is ideal for manufacturing miniature and micro-miniature aerospace, medical, and telecommunications parts and small, intricate carbide tooling.
"The EDAC1 has repeatability and accuracy in the millionths," said Lee Richmond, micro-market manager at Makino. "As far as we are aware, no one can come close to these accuracies and surface finishes." In order to achieve these world-class capabilities, this next generation micro-EDM is built in a clean-room environment where temperature and humidity are closely monitored and controlled. Each machine is built and tested in its own environmental area, isolated from other tools being built by pass-through plastic walls and air curtains.
Positional and pitch accuracy of +/-0.00004 inches (1.0 micron) is achieved with new mechanical and electronic design. The cubic structure of the EDAC1, with no overhangs at axis limits, contributes greatly to the accuracy of the machine. Other mechanical design features include an integral, liquid-cooled Z-axis thermal stabilizer that assures depth accuracy of +/-0.00004 inches (1.0 micron), and a newly designed Mi C-axis head that is capable of indexing accuracy of +/-2 arc seconds.
The machine's casting assembly is isolated from all heat-generating components by insulated panels, and all heat that is generated is removed from the machine cabin by a specially designed ducting system. For additional thermal stability, an optional thermal chamber is available. This will further reduce any thermal distortion of the machine tool due to variances in shop temperature.
The EDAC1 was also designed with consideration for the human operator. It has a drop-tank design that allows full access to the work area from three sides, a height-adjustable 15" LCD display, and a work table height of 39.4 inches (1 meter). These features allow for more comfortable working conditions for the machine operator by reducing low back strain during setup, measurement, and operation.
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