Sodick aero-focused machine set for MACH World Debut

Making its world debut at MACH, Sodick’s new 5-axis K4HL small hole drilling machine has been developed specifically to meet the needs of the aerospace industry, such as the high-speed drilling of the thousands of small, high-precision diffuser holes in exotic materials for jet engine turbines.

The company is confident that the accuracy and repeatability achieved by the K4HL, together with its use of de-ionised water for dielectric flushing, will make it a game-changer in this sector.

The K4HL machine is built to the same design as Sodick’s proven and successful AG40L and AG60L die-sinkers and, to ensure the highest level of accuracy, incorporates Sodick linear motor drives on the X, Y and Z axes.

The large granite work table, 750 x 650mm (WxD), can accommodate a workpiece of up to 740 x 640 x 500mm (WxDxH) and a maximum weight of 500kg, with a distance from table-top to the lower guide of between 255–655mm. Electrode diameters are between 0.25–3.00mm with a maximum electrode length of 500mm and the K4HL has a maximum spindle speed of 1,000rpm.

Excellent ergonomics are provided by an automatic front opening door with splash guard, ensuring exceptional operator access, while Sodick’s LN Professional software enables even inexperienced operators to run complex programs through the use of an easy-to-understand graphic display.

In addition, the K4HL comes as standard with through-hole detection and an automatic electrode feeder which automatically collects worn electrodes and replaces them with new ones, enabling continuous cutting with several electrodes – ideal for a vane and blade production environment. The system also incorporates Sodick’s fully optimised servo control which can improve cutting speeds by up to 200%.

Additional options that can be specified for the machine include: a rotary table, an 18-station automatic tool changer (ATC), and eight-station lower guide changer, a nine-station Automatic Electrode Feeder and a probing unit to measure and adjust the tilt angle of the workpiece.

The K4HL shown at MACH is a prototype machine which will return to Japan after the show. Delivery of the new machines to UK and European customers is expected from Q4 2020.

In addition to the K4HL, examples of the latest Sodick technology across a range of machining and production processes will be at the show, not only wire and sink EDM, but also high-speed milling as well as horizontal injection moulding on Sodick’s largest-ever stand at MACH.

Organised by The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), MACH takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from 20-24 April.