Awea GF Series VMC for Graphite

AWEA GF Series High-Speed Graphite Machining Centres Purpose-Built CNC Machining Centres for Graphite & Abrasive Materials The AWEA GF Series is a range of high-speed vertical machining centres specifically developed for the dry machining of graphite and other abrasive, dust-producing materials. Available in six models from the compact GF-650 through to the large-capacity GF-1460, the GF Series combines high-speed machining performance with extensive dust protection, dedicated extraction and filtration, and a fully enclosed machining environment. Rather than adapting a conventional machining centre for graphite, AWEA has engineered the GF Series around the particular challenges created by fine, abrasive machining dust — protecting the machine, tooling, operator and surrounding workshop environment. Designed Specifically for Graphite Machining Graphite is an excellent material for EDM electrodes, but machining it creates extremely fine and abrasive dust. Without suitable protection, this dust can penetrate guideways, ball screws, spindle components and tool-changing systems, potentially affecting machine accuracy and component life. The AWEA GF Series addresses these problems with a comprehensive High-Grade Dustproof Kit incorporating: High-performance dust extraction and filtration Internal dust collection tank Dustproof covers on all three axes Additional foldable bellows protecting ball screws and guideways Fully enclosed machining area with roof Fully enclosed tool magazine Automatic tool-magazine sealing door Spindle air curtain Easily removable dust collection system The work area is completely enclosed to help contain graphite particles within the machine and prevent contamination of the operator and surrounding workshop. High-Performance Dust Extraction Effective extraction is fundamental to successful graphite machining. The GF Series incorporates a dedicated extraction and filtration unit with powerful ventilation motors rated at up to 7.5 HP. A self-cleaning filtration system reduces routine maintenance, while the dust collection bucket can be easily removed for cleaning. The internal collection tank uses a one-piece seamless design, helping prevent graphite contamination escaping into the workshop while making cleaning and maintenance straightforward. High-Speed Direct-Drive Spindle Graphite electrode manufacture frequently requires intricate details, fine surface finishes and high-speed contour machining. The GF Series is equipped with a high-speed direct-drive spindle, eliminating unnecessary transmission components and providing the response required for precision contouring. Depending upon model and specification, spindle configurations include: BT40 – 12,000 rpm direct-drive BT40 – 15,000 rpm direct-drive BT30 – 20,000 rpm direct-drive option A spindle oil cooling system maintains the spindle within its optimum temperature range, helping minimise thermal deformation and maintain machining accuracy during extended high-speed operation. High-Speed, High-Accuracy Machining Rapid machine movement and accurate contour control make the GF Series particularly well suited to complex graphite electrode manufacture. The range provides: X/Y rapid traverse: up to 48 m/min Z rapid traverse: up to 36 m/min Cutting feed rate: up to 15 m/min Positioning accuracy: ±0.01 mm (JIS B 6338) Repeatability: ±0.003 mm (JIS B 6338) AWEA specifically identifies the combination of rapid feed rates, high cutting feeds and an accurate drive system as making the GF Series ideally suited to graphite electrode machining. Super-Rigid Machine Structure High speed doesn’t mean compromising machine rigidity. AWEA uses Finite Element Analysis (FEA/FEM) to optimise the GF Series machine structure, providing a lightweight but highly rigid construction. Critical mating surfaces between the column and base, and between the spindle head and spindle, are precision hand-scraped to provide accurate assembly, structural rigidity and balanced load distribution. High-precision linear guideways on all axes provide accurate control combined with efficient high-speed movement. Dust-Protected Automatic Tool Changer Graphite dust doesn’t only affect the machine’s axes — it can also contaminate cutting tools, toolholders and the automatic tool changer. The GF Series therefore incorporates a 24-tool arm-type ATC housed within a fully enclosed tool magazine. An automatic door seals the magazine during machining and only opens when a tool change is required, substantially reducing the opportunity for graphite dust to contaminate stored tools and the tool-changing mechanism. Optional 30, 32 and 40-tool magazines are also available. AWEA GF Series Specifications Model X Travel Y Travel Z Travel Table Size Table Load GF-650 650 mm 510 mm 510 mm 750 × 510 mm 500 kg GF-760 760 mm 510 mm 510 mm 860 × 510 mm 500 kg GF-860 860 mm 600 mm 600 mm 1,000 × 600 mm 700 kg GF-1060 1,060 mm 600 mm 600 mm 1,200 × 600 mm 700 kg GF-1250 1,250 mm 620 mm 620 mm 1,350 × 620 mm 1,000 kg GF-1460 1,400 mm 620 mm 620 mm 1,500 × 620 mm 1,000 kg The GF Series therefore provides a common graphite-machining platform across a useful range of component and electrode sizes. More Than Graphite Although ideally suited to graphite electrode production, the GF Series has been developed for other abrasive and dust-generating materials. Typical applications include: Graphite electrodes Graphite moulds and components Carbon fibre Glass-fibre composites Abrasive composite materials Other materials generating fine machining dust High-speed mould and die applications AWEA also states that wet-cutting solutions are available on special request, further extending the potential application range. Standard Graphite Machining Equipment The comprehensive standard specification includes: Dust extraction and filtration unit Internal dust collection tank Dustproof covers for all axes 24-tool ATC with dust-protection automatic door Spindle air curtain Spindle cooling system Centralised automatic X/Y/Z lubrication Fully enclosed splash guard with roof Automatic power-off system Electrical cabinet heat exchanger Foundation bolt kit Tool box Air gun Alarm light This means many of the features required to create an effective graphite-machining environment are engineered into the GF Series rather than being aftermarket additions to a conventional machining centre. Available Options A wide range of options allows the GF Series to be configured around individual production requirements, including: 30 / 32 / 40-tool magazine Spindle thermal compensation CNC rotary table Electrical cabinet air conditioning Automatic tool length measurement Automatic workpiece measurement Gravity-axis anti-drop function Linear scales Mitsubishi or Heidenhain CNC control Transformer Roller-type linear guideways Why Choose the AWEA GF Series? The AWEA GF Series isn’t simply a high-speed VMC fitted with a dust extractor. It is a dedicated machining platform designed around the particular requirements of graphite and abrasive-material machining. High-speed direct-drive spindle technology provides the performance required for detailed electrode machining, while extensive dustproofing protects critical machine components. Dedicated extraction and filtration help control graphite dust at source, and the enclosed ATC prevents contamination of tools waiting in the magazine. For manufacturers producing graphite electrodes or regularly machining abrasive, dust-producing materials, this provides a purpose-built alternative to modifying a conventional machining centre for the application. AWEA GF Models Available GF-650 | GF-760 | GF-860 | GF-1060 | GF-1250 | GF-1460 Speak to TDT Machine Tools If you manufacture graphite electrodes, moulds or components, or machine carbon fibre, glass-fibre composites or other abrasive materials, TDT Machine Tools can help specify the appropriate AWEA GF configuration for your application. Contact TDT Machine Tools to discuss your component sizes, materials, production requirements and required spindle configuration.