RP Technologies
Sodick AD55L CNC Spark Erosion machine
Leading prototype tooling and injection moulding company, RP Technologies, has announced the introduction of a new machine at its manufacturing facility in the West Midlands, the Sodick AD55L CNC Spark erosion machine.
As part of RP Technologies’ on-going investment and expansion plans, the company invested £125,000 on the EDM machine, which features a 6 stage tool change facility. This will improve their current manufacturing capabilities which specialise in the reduction of costs for new product development and low to medium production. The Sodick AD55L CNC Spark erosion machine will help to reduce lead times even further and extensive training has been given to RP’s toolmakers to ensure their customers get the most out of this new equipment.
Spark Erosion is a method used when machining challenging tooling with intricate detail. The spark erosion process involves both the work piece (the male form) and the tool (the female form) being connected to a direct current; this provides a constant spark between the two.
The area where the spark contacts the surface of the work piece is heated to an extremely high temperature. The molten metal on the surface of the work piece evaporates creating a minute crater. Continual discharge creates multiple craters, constantly eroding the work piece to the desired finish, which can be controlled within a very precise envelope.
The AD55L features Sodick’s latest LN NC unit which is equipped with the new "TMM3" discharge power supply meaning it is capable of high speed, high precision and high efficiency machining.
Last year, the Rapid Technologies relocated to a larger manufacturing facility in the UK in a bid to increase its production capacity by an extra 25% and make way for new machinery and facilitate its growing team.
