ETG Creates Spark of Excitement with New EDM Drilling Range
28 August 2021
When it comes to single or multi-hole high-speed EDM drilling, the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) now breaks the boundaries of convention with the introduction of the Winbro HSD6-III high-speed EDM drilling system. Designed and manufactured in the UK by the Winbro Technologies Group, the ground-breaking technology that has proven to be the ‘go-to’ brand for the Aerospace and Industrial Gas Turbine (IGT) industries for a generation, is now available from Wellesbourne machine tool specialists ETG.
The HSD6-III High-Speed EDM system offers industry-leading performance whilst maintaining stringent metallurgical requirements that are commonplace in the Aerospace and IGT markets. The Winbro HSD6-III has been specially developed for the machining of cooling holes, forms and features in Turbine Blades, Nozzle Guide Vanes, Seal Segments and other components that require high-speed EDM drilling. Capable of producing round, elliptical and 2D / 3D shaped diffusers, this exciting addition to the ETG stable will drive productivity, quality and flexibility beyond anything previously seen in the industry.
Capable of production rates up to 5 times faster than conventional EDM machines, the Winbro HSD6-III is perfect for processing round holes from 0.3mm to 3mm diameter with a maximum depth up to 100mm. The machine is also capable of complex 2D and 3D diffuser holes with its advanced shaped hole generation technology. Precision is assured with Winbro’s advanced and patented 6-point probing system that guarantees accurate positioning of drilled holes, this technology enables the use of simple and easy to use fixturing technology for positioning components and adapting to casting variation. For unparalleled levels of precision, the Winbro HSD6-III also offers the option of on-machine inspection to guarantee true hole position via a laser opticator measurement system. This unsurpassed level of precision is complemented by the signature analysis feature that monitors the drilling performance in real-time to reduce the requirement for manual inspection processes whilst compensating for casting core movement. The precision level of the Winbro HSD6-III far exceeds rival machine tools with a linear accuracy and repeatability of 0.010mm and 0.008mm respectively with a rotary accuracy and repeatability of 20arc/sec and +/-15arc/sec.
The work envelope of the Winbro HSD6-III offers an X, Y and Z axis of 200 by 200 by 250mm that can accommodate workpieces up to 225 by 225 by 225mm. For larger workpieces, ETG can present a number of alternative technology solutions from Winbro to suit most component types and sizes. The flexibility of the Winbro HSD6-III is demonstrated by the rotary A-axis of +/-185°, B-axis of 135° +100° and a rotary C-axis of +/-8° that enables the component to be interpolated for complete 5-sided part processing in a single set-up.
The tooling configuration of the Winbro HSD6-III is flexible to suit the demands of the end-user with the choice of; single point rotational or static electrode for non-line-of-sight, whilst high-productivity environments may opt for the multi-tool option with up to 45 sensed electrodes.
The tool station is supplied via a single Automated Electrode Changer with a 12 electrode automatic change station to meet the needs of automated or prolonged production cycles. For further details on how the Winbro HSD6-III can ramp up your production rates and improve the precision and hole-quality of your EDM drilling operations, contact ETG for further information or a demonstration.
