After several years of development work based on a concept by the EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), Willemin-Macodel has developed one of the most innovative Delta machines for micro-machining with submicronic precision.
A new machining strategy
Dedicated to machining small workpieces (Ø 52 x 30 mm), the entire machining strategy has been developed around 'interpolation’. In this way, machining operations can benefit from the highly dynamic control of the basket, while reducing the number of tools needed. The engineers have integrated a new numerical control on the PC base which is capable of executing control loops much more quickly than conventional controls, along with very high-resolution measuring scales (less than 10 nanometres). The combination of high-resolution measuring scales and ultra-fast control loop calculations guarantee submicronic contour tracking. The trajectory error is reduced by a factor of 10 compared with the conventional machines available on the market.
The benefits of 701S micro-machining: precision and quality
Material removal helps guarantee excellent surface finish while ensuring the dimensional and geometric precisions. In conventional machining, it is very often necessary to finish the parts with a polishing or brightening operation. With the 701S Willemin-Macodel pushes further the level of quality attainable by removing material. As the quality by micro-milling is almost reached, the users only have a minimal action to finish their parts. And as there is much less polishing to do, the risk of degrading the geometry are greatly reduced. Surface finishes reach Ra 0,25 without any problem.
The benefits of 701S micro-machining: speed and efficiency
Thanks to the strategy of machining by interpolation and the low moving masses, cycle times measured on customers’ parts show improvements from 3 to 5 x. The supplier mentions a customer who contacted him for a micro-mold produced in 60 minutes with conventional machining, which was made in 8 minutes on the 701S. The reduced floor space (1 m2) and the very little energy consuming of the machine (less than a hair dryer) are very stimulating economic arguments that are added to the technical arguments.
The proof is in the....swarf!
To convince professionals of the new process, the company has produced many parts using the 701S. The main advantages according to the customers are:
• very short machining time
• exceptional accuracy and surface finish
• low machine operating costs
• low energy consumption
• very compact size
• ergonomic and simple to program
Other high tech machines shown at IMTS
Beside the machine 701S, following machines will be exhibited, too:
The multi-process machining centre type 508MT whose flexibility is incomparable for complete machining of complex parts in one single cycle from bar, the 5-simultanous machining centre type 408S2 equipped with a double-divider able to carry out turning operations on C-axis up to 4'000 min-1, the machining centre 408MTT working from bar and equipped with a turning turret and last but not least, the new ultra-compact machining centre 308B allowing both machining from bar stock and in one-piece mode. The 308B machining centre is perfectly adapted to the machining of workpieces such as watchmaking, aeronautical or micro-mechanical components and has been developed as the perfect solution to the needs of the dental sector.
Willemin-Macodel SA
Booth S-9341