Sodick AL+

The Sodick AL EDM series is equipped with the latest CNC unit and SP discharge generator, capable of machining at high speed, high precision and high efficiency. The user interface benefits from a 19” colour touch screen, with easy-to-use functions, an interactive programming system called LN Professional and a 3D CAM called IntelligentQ3Vic. The TMM 4 circuit can supply up to 50% more discharge voltage than a conventional machine, while the BSN4 circuit improves the quality and speed of erosion in finishing through efficient nanosecond control of the active ON-TIME discharge.

The most important features of the linear motors developed and produced in-house by Sodick are high-speed axis movement and the fast response that comes from moving without conventional ball screws. Traditional drive systems use screws to convert the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion of the axis, leading to the inevitable deterioration of the mechanical parts and to consequent backlash on reversal. Linear motors supply motion directly to each axis without the rotary-to-linear conversion just described.

The AL series adopts the latest generation of the Sodick K-SMC axis control, which offers even shorter response times, from 0.4 to 1 microsecond. Full integration with the generator makes it possible to control axis movement more efficiently in relation to the conditions of the discharge gap. The most important components, needed to achieve precise and efficient machining, are made of ceramic material developed and produced in-house by Sodick.

All models in the AL series are fitted as standard with the new TH COM thermal compensation system. Temperature sensors are installed on the machine body; the control records any temperature fluctuations and automatically compensates for thermal drift through axis movement.

The Sodick AL+ series brings together four linear-motor die-sinking EDM machines: AL40G+, AL60G+, AL80G+ and AL100G+. Travels grow steadily across the range, from the 400 x 300 x 270 mm of the AL40G+ to the 1,200 x 650 x 500 mm of the AL100G+, and with them the work table, from 600 x 400 to 1,600 x 1,000 mm. The maximum workpiece weight goes from 550 kg to 1,500, 3,000 and finally 5,000 kg, so that the same family covers both the mould insert and the large body-panel die. All of them work with oil dielectric and the SP generator, alongside LN Professional interactive programming and the IntelligentQ3Vic CAM; the dielectric tank grows accordingly, from 330 to 2,770 litres. The linear motors, with no ball screws, guarantee across all four sizes the dynamics and positioning accuracy that precision die-sinking EDM requires.