TMV-510G + DS-550CM + Fanuc M20iA Robot Cell

Why would a shop want to mass produce graphite electrodes and what is the advantage to spending the money on a automated cell to do so?

Ram-type EDM machines have been utilizing Automatic Tool Changers for many years in the manufacturing of custom plastic injection mold components as well as several other industries.  This kind of operation requires good planning, repeatable tooling and accurate set-ups.

This type of automation creates a natural progression into full-on automation and the implementation of highly versatile robots.  Absolute Machine Tools has been recognized by FANUC as an official integrator of their robotic systems.  By replacing the “slave type” tool changer with an integrated, managed manufacturing cell, it becomes possible to extend unattended operation to all the processes required to produce complex custom tooling.

A magazine can be loaded with electrode blanks, raw work pieces, finished work pieces and even milling cutters.  Work pieces are loaded into a machining center for finishing, then replaced into the Wire EDM.  Electrodes are machined then placed into the spindle of the EDM.  When you consider the cost of a dedicated single purpose tool changers on both mills and EDM machines, the robot solution starts to make a lot more sense and dollars.