FANUC Wire EDM Machine for General and Medical Production

"The new FANUC iMed wire EDM machine is specially configured for continuous-duty production of parts such as aerospace components, medical instruments and implants," said a spokesperson. "In addition to the exceptional reliability for which FANUC is known, the iMed offers cutting speeds, accuracy, surface finishes and advanced features comparable to those of much more expensive machines. It is ideal for the production of surgical instruments, needles, stainless steel tubing and rods, turbine engine vanes and blades, orthopedic implements, dental tools and devices, laboratory equipment components and PCD tooling/tips.

"The iMed is a workhorse EDM that combines high performance, low operating costs and ease of maintenance. It uses economical brass wire (0.004-inch to 0.012-inch standard) and comes with many standard features that are options on competitive machines, including a heavy-duty anti-electrolysis power supply, an energy-saving inverter-controlled DI chiller, AC servo-controlled water level for the work tank and state-of-the-art FANUC 310i-WA CNC. The control provides nano interpolation, a 15-inch color touch-screen monitor, easy-to-use split-screen graphics with sophisticated yet simple drawing capabilities, interactive parts/maintenance assistance, multiple USB ports and Ethernet connectivity.

"The FANUC iMed is designed and built for precision. Revolutionary 'R' Real World Cutting Technology combines adaptive workpiece thickness control, advanced straightness and corner control and adaptive pulse discharge control to ensure precision and maximize cutting speed under varying conditions including poor flushing or interrupted cuts. Accuracy is further enhanced through a rugged, thermally insulated cast Meehanite base and table travels with no load-overhang during table movement. Heavy-duty ball screws for the X & Y axes are double-anchored and encapsulated to prevent contamination, ensuring decades of trouble-free operation.

"The iMed's patented twin AC servo wire tensioning system reduces tension variations to 1/4 that of conventional wire machines. The FANUC AWF, the world's fastest, most reliable auto wire feed system, provides flawless threading in just ten seconds or less, even while submerged. A large 35-pound (or optional 66-pound) wire spool capacity and remote machine programming and monitoring capability allow unattended operation for extended periods. FANUC designed the iMed to be easily automated. The Automation Engineering group at Methods Machine Tools will design systems to meet specific customer automation needs, from robotic loading to full 'lights out' production."

For more information contact:

John Crean

RoboDrill Product Manager

Methods Machine Tools, Inc.

64 Union Avenue

Sudbury, MA 01776

877-MMT-4CNC (877-668-4262)

Fax: 978-440-9405