Abstract: A method and machine to allow for the spark-erosion machining of parts, in particular their finishing, using cylindrical or tubular tools by successive layers.

Abstract: Cutting device for spark-erosion machine wires in which, after passing through a machining region, the wire-electrode is cut up into sections which are disposed of as waste products into a recovery receptacle. The device comprises electrical contacts connected to a voltage/current source. The wire is subjected to a dielectric fluid whose flow rate is sufficiently high to generate a turbulent flow regime and cause random lateral movements of the wire which sporadically brushes against the contacts.

Abstract: A machine for machining workpieces by a laser beam. The optical fibre terminates at an optical output head (27) that defines the optical axis of the laser light beam, which vaporizes the material. The optical output head (27) is rigidly attached to the frame (49) or to the casing of the laser head so that said optical output head remains integrally fastened to said frame or casing during the rotation of the laser head about the horizontal pivot axis (B). The polluted gases generated in the machining area by the evaporation of material are collected by a suction nozzle (37) which is driven with the laser machining head during its rotation about the horizontal axis (B). A stream of clean dry gas is injected into the machining area by an injection nozzle (35) which is also driven with the laser machining head (8) during its rotation about the horizontal axis (B).

Abstract: Spark-erosion machining method and machine implementing a machining gap, a process regulator, a numerical control system, a Nominal Trajectory. The latter describes the movement of the tool electrode relative to the part as it ought to proceed if no disturbance were to occur during the machining. Information contained in the Nominal Trajectory is used to define at least two control vectors Vg, Vp which orient, within the coordinate system XYZ, two independent regulation movements. The first, or Gap Vector Vg, defines the direction in which a first regulation movement of the axes of the machine must be performed to maintain the removal of material. The second, or Position Vector Vp, defines the direction in which a second regulation movement of the axes of the machining machine must be performed to correct a tool electrode position error. The respective amplitudes of the regulation movements are calculated in real time by the process regulator.

Abstract: The electrical discharge machining device comprises a first voltage/current source (U1) for discharge initiation connected to the tool electrode (F) and a workpiece electrode (P) forming the poles of a machining gap (G) and a second voltage/current source (U2) that can be disconnected by way of two switches (SW1, SW2). Capacitive elements (C1, C5) are mounted in series in the lines (10, 11) connecting the first source to the poles of the machining gap (G). In addition, these poles can be connected by a self-induction coil (Lm) mounted in series with an adjustable DC source (Sm). Thanks to these features, the energy of the eroding discharges can be significantly reduced in order to obtain a superfine surface finishing process of high quality, while at the same time precisely controlling the mean voltage across the terminals of the machining gap.

Abstract: Cutting device for spark-erosion machine wires in which, after passing through a machining region, the wire-electrode is cut up into sections which are disposed of as waste products into a recovery receptacle. The device comprises electrical contacts connected to a voltage/current source. The wire is subjected to a dielectric fluid whose flow rate is sufficiently high to generate a turbulent flow regime and cause random lateral movements of the wire which sporadically brushes against the contacts.

Abstract: The device for machining by electroerosion comprises an electrode-tool (EO) and an electrode-workpiece (EP) constituting the opposite poles of a working gap (GA) and an electrical circuit with a double voltage source (UD) connected to a supply network (A) arranged so as to produce erosive discharges between the electrode-tool (EO) and the electrode-workpiece (EP). This double voltage source (UD) comprises a first (U1) and a second (U2) voltage source connected galvanically to each other by their poles. This double source (UD) is connected to the working gap by at least four separate branches (B1 to B4) of which at least one comprises a self-induction element (LL, LL). Switching elements (SW1, SW2) permit producing by selective connection of the branches at least two increasing current slopes and at least two decreasing current slopes.

Abstract: The device for machining by electroerosion comprises an electrode-tool (EO) and an electrode-workpiece (EP) constituting the opposite poles of a working gap (GA) and an electrical circuit with a double voltage source (UD) connected to a supply network (A) arranged so as to produce erosive discharges between the electrode-tool (EO) and the electrode-workpiece (EP). This double voltage source (UD) comprises a first (U1) and a second (U2) voltage source connected galvanically to each other by their poles. This double source (UD) is connected to the working gap by at least four separate branches (B1 to B4) of which at least one comprises a self-induction element (L1, L1). Switching means (SW1, SW2) permit producing by selective connection of said branches at least two increasing current slopes and at least two decreasing current slopes.

Abstract: An electroerosion machining device to machine a piece (14) by milling successive layers includes a member (30) to drive in rotation an electrode-tool (31) of tubular shape and a digital control unit (CN) to control the three-dimensional movement (x, y, z) between the electrode-tool and the piece (14). A regulation module (MR) is adapted to simulate the longitudinal wear of the electrode-tool and to compensate it along its path. According to the type of geometric configuration between the electrode-tool and the piece, namely the presence or absence of an opening below the electrode-tool and the presence or absence of one or two walls, different values of longitudinal wear are provided and transmitted to the digital control unit (CN). There is thus obtained a high precision and planarity of machining.

Abstract: The machining liquid includes a load of particles contained in a dielectric liquid. The particles are carbon microfibers, sectioned or not, having a diameter (e) comprised between 0.2 and 8 micrometers and a length which is a function of the machining gap (G) provided between the electrode-tool and the electrode-workpiece. Thanks to this load of carbon microfibers of well-defined dimensions and geometry, the electro-erosion output, the precision of machining, the condition of the surface obtained and the ability to replicate machining performances, are considerably improved.

Abstract: The machining liquid (7) comprises a load (9) of particles contained in a dielectric liquid (8). The particles are carbon microfibers (10), sectioned or not, having a diameter (e) comprised between 0.2 and 8 micrometers and a length (l) which is a function of the machining gap (G) provided between the electrode-tool (5) and the electrode-workpiece (6). Thanks to this load of carbon microfibers of well-defined dimensions and geometry, the electro-erosion output, the precision of machining, the condition of the surface obtained and the ability to replicate machining performances, are considerably improved.

Abstract: Electrode tools for electroerosion (EDM) where a cavity or a relief is machined by hollowing out the part at great speed and in successive layers or slices by means of a rotating electrode tool of a simple shape which is independent of the cavity to be eroded, called “EDM slices milling”.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method for determining the actual length of an electrode in an electrical discharge forming machine, wherein the electrode is brought in contact with a contact element. An electric short circuit is triggered at a trigger point during the additional movement of the electrode toward the contact element such that the position of the free electrode end is determined due to the known position of the trigger point. The machine control determines the length of the electrode that protrudes from the electrode holder from the position of the electrode holder and the position of the trigger point.

Abstract: An electric discharge machine allows machining of a stationary workpiece by a device for moving the machining head and therefore the electrode vertically along the Z axis, a first chariot sliding along one of the X and Y axes, mounted on a cross beam resting on two shoulders laid out on both sides of the work zone, and cut out at the center to allow a shaft fixed to the device for moving the machining head to pass through. A second chariot slides along the other of the X and Y axes. The workpiece is supported by a worktable is supported by a column that is movable by a pair of fluid actuators. The fluid actuators may be powered hydraulically or pneumatically.

Abstract: A wire electrode arrangement for electroerosion cutting includes an elongated core. Multiple electrode elements are arranged sequentially along the elongated core. The electrode elements are separated by gaps and are mutually insulated.

Abstract: An electroerosion device having a wire electrode stretched and wound between two wire guides which performs taper machining by inclining the wire electrode, the wire guides having a guiding profile whose radius of curvature is at least equal to a value R given by the following formula ##EQU1## in which r designates the radius of the wire and .DELTA.L/L the elongation coefficient corresponding to the limit of elastic deformation of the wire electrode in consideration. Apparatus for measuring and calculating are associated with a numeric control in order to determine, as a function of a given angle of inclination, the height of the two points of inclination of the wire electrode in the wire guides.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine with a machine is shown bed, a work tank filled with a dielectric fluid and vertically adjustable in which a work table is arranged, a generator and a control unit. All units of the machine are surrounded by a metal structure. Additional units can be integrated into the metal structure.

Abstract: EDM machine for machining of a stationary workpiece including a device for moving the machining head of the machine and hence the tool along the Z axis and a cross movements system with two chariots each sliding along one of the reference axes X and Y of the machine for moving the machining head along these axes. A main frame body is shaped as a cube having four vertical walls joined together so as to delimit a square space all these walls being immovably attached to the same base forming the lower face of the cube and to the horizontal element with an opening cut out in it forming the upper face of the cube. An assembly designed to move the machining head along the Z axis along at least one of the chariots of the system in the X-axis and/or Y-axis of cross movements is mounted above the upper face of the cube thus resting on four pillars formed by the edges of the cube delimited by the four vertical walls.

Abstract: A combination magazine and changer for use with a machining head of an electrical discharge machine for rapidly changing a tool. The magazine includes a plurality of separate housings, each of which supports a tool. A retaining means is provided for each housing and creates an attracting force for holding the tools in place. The changer includes a robot arm arranged in proximity to the magazine and which is capable of linear motion relative to the magazine. A mechanical clamping member is mounted to an end of the arm and removes a given tool from the magazine for use in the machining head in a first linear motion and replaces the used tool on the magazine in a second reverse linear motion.

Abstract: A good electric contact device is provided for carrying electrical current to a rotating cylindrical part; it comprisesat least one conducting plate mounted around the rotating cylinder to be supplied with current, rotating together with it, while establishing a gold, almost frictionless,electrical contact,at least one electrical contact which is stationary during the rotation of the cylinder and provided with at least one housing in which means are set which are supplied with electricity from a generator, said contact having at least one side intended to be applied against one of the sides of the conducting guide so as to transmit to it very efficiently, almost without friction and overheating, the electrical current,andmeans to apply the stationary contact against the rotating guide.These contacts are advantageously used for feeding the electroerosive current to a rotating spindle in an E D Milling machining.