New Five-Axis Milling Machine, Horizontal Wire EDM for Medical
GF Machining Solutions’ Mikron Mill E 500 U five-axis milling machine and Cut AM 500 horizontal wire EDM are designed to work seamlessly alongside the company’s additive manufacturing systems for complete medical part processing and optimized workflow.
Share




The Cut AM 500 horizontal wire EDM. Photo Credit: GF Machining Solutions
GF Machining Solutions designed its Mikron Mill E 500 U high-efficiency five-axis milling machine and its Cut AM 500 horizontal wire EDM to provide medical manufacturers the key subtractive operations needed within additive manufacturing part production. Both machines are said to work seamlessly alongside GF Machining Solutions’ additive manufacturing systems for complete medical part processing and optimized workflow.
The Mikron Mill E 500 U features a large swivel range from 65° to 120° and the capacity for additive parts weighing up to 450 kg. With its tilting, swiveling table, GF Machining Solutions says the machine enables users to process a wider range of parts.
The Mikron Mill E 500 U’s 20,000-rpm Step-Tec spindle handles both rough milling and drilling operations and increases metal removal rates by 20% over previous models. Its rigid, stable C-frame cast iron construction reduces vibrations for increased precision and repeatability, while large guideways, a double side-supported rotary table and optimized chip evacuation reportedly enhance reliability and part quality.
Designed specifically for the additive manufacturing process, the Cut AM 500 horizontal wire EDM separates additively manufactured metal parts from build plates while maintaining geometrical accuracy and ensuring assembly readiness. According to the company, the machine is a fast, precise, affordable and automation-ready alternative to the use of standard vertical EDM equipment or band saws to separate parts from build plates.
In addition, the Cut AM 500 is said to resolve a number of quality barriers encountered by manufacturers created by the use of band saws, including but not limited to geometric inaccuracy, loss of workpiece material (kerf) and damage to the part. The Cut AM 500 reportedly eliminates any contamination and/or damage, making it ideal for risk-averse industries such as medical manufacturing.
Related Content
-
High RPM Spindles: 5 Advantages for 5-axis CNC Machines
Explore five crucial ways equipping 5-axis CNC machines with Air Turbine Spindles® can achieve the speeds necessary to overcome manufacturing challenges.
-
Lean Approach to Automated Machine Tending Delivers Quicker Paths to Success
Almost any shop can automate at least some of its production, even in low-volume, high-mix applications. The key to getting started is finding the simplest solutions that fit your requirements. It helps to work with an automation partner that understands your needs.
-
Additive/Subtractive Hybrid CNC Machine Tools Continue to Make Gains (Includes Video)
The hybrid machine tool is an idea that continues to advance. Two important developments of recent years expand the possibilities for this platform.