New AgieCharmilles CUT AM 500 EDM Speeds Up Additive Part Separation While Preserving Part Integrity

GF Machining Solutions recently announced the AgieCharmilles CUT AM 500, a new horizontal wire EDM designed to complement metal additive manufacturing (AM). The AgieCharmilles CUT AM 500 makes it easier than ever to quickly separate additively manufactured metal parts from the build plate while maintaining geometrical accuracy and ensuring assembly readiness. The machine made its debut at EMO 2019 in Hannover, Germany.

Fueled by more than 65 years of EDM expertise, the universal AgieCharmilles CUT AM 500 is a fast, precise, affordable and automation-ready alternative to the use of standard EDM equipment or a band saw to separate additively manufactured parts from build plates. In addition to improving overall efficiency, the CUT AM 500 also resolves 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. Ideal for risk-averse industries, such as aerospace and medical technology, the CUT AM 500 maintains the integrity of the part by avoiding part contamination and damage.

A complementary technology, the CUT AM 500 works seamlessly alongside other GF Machining Solutions’ and 3D Systems’ scalable, workflow-optimized solutions such as the DMP Factory 500, DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 350.

A robust process

Accommodating parts up to 510 x 510 x 510 mm (including the base plate) and up to 500 kg in weight, the CUT AM 500 uses 0.2 mm diameter wire to separate additively manufactured parts from the build platform at a maximum cutting speed of 300 mm²/m. It delivers ±0.1 mm accuracy and surface roughness of less than 6 µm. The CUT AM 500 blends a horizontal wire orientation, a rotary axis and an integrated basket to catch separated parts. This combination creates a robust process, which supports the part, allows for easy part handling, prevents part damage and offers full automation readiness.

Fast separation process, low running costs

The CUT AM 500’s rapid wire technology, together with the machine’s generator, ensures the fastest EDM process – at least three times faster than standard EDM – and the most reliable separation of additively manufactured parts with specific support structures. Low running costs are enabled by the machine’s fast wire technology and double wire spool concept.

Automation ready

The layout of the CUT AM 500 is designed to accommodate the integration of a clamping system for easier clamping and referencing. As additive manufacturing evolves into mass production, automated AM processes will be needed. System 3R, a GF Machining Solutions brand, specializes in tooling, automation and software and offers in-house expertise and technology to drive manufacturers’ future success in AM.