Graphite electrode machining
The HSM 300 GraphiteMaster equipped with automatic pallet changer at Amtek’s facility in Devon.
Mould-maker Amtek has invested in a 3-axis high-speed machining centre to produce high-precision graphite electrodes used in the manufacture of complex, high-performance mould tools.
The GF AgieCharmilles HSM 300 GraphiteMaster, was installed at Amtek Precision Engineers’ facility in Totnes, Devon.
Amtek, first established in 1984, is one the UK’s leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-volume plastic injection moulds and provides a comprehensive range of mould-making services to its customers.
These include the design and manufacture of complex mould tools, jigs and fixtures as well as mould tool trialling, validation, service and repair. It also manufactures complex, high-precision CNC machined components too.
The HSM 300 machine is purpose-built to handle the machining of graphite. As well as being equipped with a liquid-cooled 54,000-rpm high-speed spindle the machine also features an integrated extractor unit that efficiently removes graphite dust from the working area, preventing ingress and damage to work-pieces, tooling and the machine’s electrical and mechanical components etc.
Amtek’s decision to invest in a purpose-built graphite milling machine reflects and endorses the Company’s relatively recent move to using graphite electrodes in its die-sink EDM machining operations.
Amtek’s managing director Mike Jones says: “We used to mainly use copper for our electrodes but, owing to graphite’s unique properties and characteristics, and the benefits from using graphite electrodes in the die-sink process, such as faster erosion rates, less electrode wear, less requirement for secondary finishing operations to remove burrs etc, we made the strategic decision to change.’
The move to machining graphite in-house has paid dividends.
Amtek has reduced its lead times, has and is acquiring more higher-value, higher-margin contracts and no longer needs to subcontract-out its graphite electrode machining requirements.
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