At this year’s Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West 2020, GF Machining Solutions demonstrated its MIKRON HSM 200U LP (linear performance) milling machine with pallet changer (PCH) and CUT E350 wire EDM. Both high-productivity, high-precision machines represent two key operations within GF’s complete line of medical component processing solutions that provide medical manufacturers with a single source for all their part production needs. Also included in GF’s medical solutions are laser texturing, additive manufacturing, micro laser machining, and modular pallet technologies.
For medical component milling, the HSM 200U LP is available in 3- and 5-axis (full simultaneous) versions that bring speed, efficiency, and precision to the machining of such small, highly complex components as stainless-steel denture bars or orthopedic implants. In addition, its compact size allows the machine to fit into most facilities, a key factor for dental labs and other shops where floor space is at a premium.
The HSM 200U LP generates part surface finishes as fine as Ra 0.05 µm thanks to linear motor technology in its main machine axes and optimized direct-drive motors for the B and C axes. The machine’s powerful 50,000 rpm, 11.4 hp Step- Tec spindle further contributes to precise part details and excellent surface finishes.
Paired with optional MIKRON pallet magazines with System 3R and Erowa interfaces, the HSM 200U LP delivers unattended 24/7 machining for increasing the output of existing workforces. The fully integrated pallet magazines can be loaded without interrupting cutting operations already in progress, and the automation of tool or workpiece handling is possible from three sides of the machine.
A Heidenhain iTNC 530 control system and smart machining modules on the HSM 200U LP provide advanced levels of monitoring — critical for the production of high-value precision medical parts. The system allows the machine to automatically check and evaluate tools and workpieces, inspect tools for breakage, and perform measurements of the workpiece. The smart machine modules automatically monitor spindle vibration, calibrate machine geometry, and even transmit process status messages to an operator’s cell phone.
As part of GF’s CUT E Series of wire EDMs, the CUT E 350, like the HSM 200U LP, also incorporates a broad range of technologies that allow medical manufacturers to increase flexibility and accelerate their time to market. These technologies include a large touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface) that is intuitive in operation and includes onboard Intelligent Collision Protection, built-in machining strategies and flexible job management.
Information about geometries, machining processes, and command programs is processed in a single file. This allows jobs to be transferred among different machines in the CUT E Series, with the machines automatically managing all needed modifications. Additionally, more than 10 automated measurement cycles are available to assist with workpiece preparation. The onboard AC CAM Easy allows an operator to prepare an ISO file and post-process it into a job during machining.
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