Poco Graphite Develops Series of EDM Surface Finish Gauges
Poco Graphite has developed a series
of plastic EDM surface finish gauges to help mold makers and their customers
select the desired EDM finish. This surface finish gauge shows up to 16 sample
EDM finishes per side. Each finish was created using standard machine settings
that the operator can replicate on their machine.
POCO's gauges were developed in cooperation with individual machine tool manufacturers. OEM's burned the cavities using their programmed machine settings to obtain the selected surface finishes. Two grades of graphite were used to produce cavities -one side was burned using EDM-3, an Ultrafine grade, and the other side was burned using EDM-200, a Superfine grade.
"Although there are other plastic surface finish gauges available, the POCO gauge is unique in that it demonstrates how the graphite grade and the program settings work together to create unique and repeatable EDM finishes. Because appearance is very important in consumer products, the production challenge is to translate the design specifications into the finished piece while maintaining quality and managing production costs. Predicable EDM finishes can eliminate the need for a more expensive etched mold," said a company spokesperson.
POCO plastic surface finish gauges are available at no charge. Molded parts have been produced using Makino and Mitsubishi technology. Gauges for other technologies will be available soon from POCO.
For more information contact:
Poco Graphite, Inc.
1601 South State Street
Decatur, TX 76234
800-433-5547
E-mail: edm@poco.com