Development of a Multi-Axis WEDM Process

Abstract

A multi-axis WEDM technology is currently developed with an industrial consortium. To achieve this advanced application technology a CAM software and a machine prototype with an integrated two-axis round table was developed and first tests conducted. The assembly of the additional swing and rotational axis and the simultaneous steering with the machine axes enables the manufacturing of complex parts. But only in combination with the CAM software transforming complex shapes into NC programs for 6- and 7-axis manufacturing, the machining of complex geometries is feasible. At present, the technology is adapted to the manufacturing of medical parts from titanium alloys and CoCr alloys. First results of the machining of an involute gear will be presented.