ARTICLE

The Makino SP64 wire EDM machine is designed to provide high performance and tight tolerance part production for a variety of diverse applications.  Featuring many of Makino’s newest and most advanced programming technologies, the SP64 is targeted for metal removal in the injection mold, stamping die, die cast die and the general machining markets.

Weighing in at an impressive 12,566 lbs., the SP64 is a solid workhorse with the ability to handle large workloads. Many operator conveniences are incorporated into the machine to improve productivity. This includes a full-function hand box with LCD display, rapid feed rates of 78 ipm for fast set-ups, an auto-threading system with long life  "V" Guides and a dual-action work tank door for ease in part loading.

According to John Shanahan, EDM product manager, "The affordably priced SP64 Wire EDM offers a large machining envelope and many standard features.  This includes a 0.000004 inch (0.1 micron) dual feedback system with a high-speed digital generator and an integrated dielectric chiller."

The SP64 has an X, Y and Z-axis machining range of 25.6  x 15.74 x 16.2 inches (650 x 400 x 412 mm) with a maximum work size of 44 x 32 x 16.5 inches  (1120 x  812 x  420  mm). This machine offers the use of wire sizes from 0.004 inch to 0.012 inch, and taper cutting capability up to 15 degrees (35 degree optional).

The Wire Wizard™ control, PVG™ Process Control Technology and Quick Connect™ auto-threading technologies all help manage an extremely low maintenance, superior quality wire EDM machine.

Wire Wizard™ Control
"The Wire Wizard™ Control software is a new, easy-to-use ’touch screen’ control system designed for simplicity, minimizing the operator learning curve, and making it very easy to transition from any wire EDM control," says Lee Richmond, technical sales support manager at Makino.

The software satisfies the operational needs of any wire EDM application.  It has three main components—programming, Set-Up and Operation—that it uses in an interactive approach, prompting the operator through the logical progression of the machining process.  The control panel automatically prompts the operator for inputs. It features exception graphics and a large 15-inch TFT flat screen display.

PVG™ Technology
PVG™ cutting technology improves part integrity without sacrificing speed, and machines as much as 30 percent faster than other wire EDM technology.  PVG stands for P-Cut, V-Corner and GS-Cut, which are control features designed to improve machining performance.

The P-Cut facilitates faster rough cutting and improved surface finishes through high precision control of the spark gap. The GS-Cut improves straightness in the initial cut, reducing the corrective error for the skim passes, thus producing straighter parts in fewer passes and reduced cycle time. This becomes more evident on material over 4.00" thick, which is a problem for many other wire EDM machines.  The V-Corner control provides outstanding shape accuracy, most notably in small corner applications.

Quick Connect™ Auto-Threading
Makino’s  quick-connect, "dual-jet" automatic wire threading unit has a fast 15-second thread time.  It can be used for many diverse applications, from tall workpieces to precision small holes.

This simple, straight-forward design makes Makino wire threaders reliable and very easy to service.  Only five minutes per week for routine maintenance keeps the threader in top running order.

Unlike other systems that require removal of the wire guides for cleaning, Makino’s unique "V" guides can be cleaned and serviced without removal, saving time and money.  Because of their unique design, Makino warrants the guides for 12,000 hours, more than any other manufacturer.