51The EDM SystemWire-cut machines are available for two-, four-, and five-axis operations.Figure 2-14 illustrates the movement of the axes.The axes are identified as X axis, Y axis, U axis, V axis, and Z axis. Inoperation, the X and U axes are parallel in the direction of operation,the Y and V axes are parallel in their operation, while the Z axis isperpendicular to the X-U and Y-V axes. The U and V axes offset theelectrode wire from the vertical position. This offset allows the wirecutmachine to produce vertical machined surfaces on the workpiecewhen the U and V axes locate the top wire guide, directly above thebottom wire guide. Angled surfaces are machined on the workpiece byusing the U and V axes to offset the top wire guide from a positiondirectly above the bottom wire guide. The conical shape surroundingthe electrode wire illustrates this offsetting.Z-axis operation may be manually operated or computer controlled.This axis is used to position the top wire guide in close proximity to theworkpiece’s top surface. Positioning of the top wire guide is necessaryto ensure proper flow of dielectric fluid into the sparking area and tomaintain EDM-chip removal. Adjustment of the Z axis is necessary atany time during the sparking cycle when a change of contour in theworkpiece’s top surface is encountered. Should the workpiece surfaceproject into the path of the top wire guide, the units could be damagedin a collision.Major assemblies used in the wire-cut machine are similar in descriptionto those in the die-sinker machine, but are very different in design.Figure 2-15 illustrates these major assemblies, consisting of the machinetool, EDM-power supply, dielectric unit, and computer control.The computer controls all movements of the wire-cut machine. Manualpositioning is possible for setup operations through the computer control.All controlled axes include a feedback system, advising the computerof the location of each slide. Each manufacturer provides afeedback system that best incorporates axis movement and computercontrol for the precision required in machining operations.The machine tool also includes the wire-feed unit. This unit controlswire-traverse speed as it passes through the sparking area. Should thewire pass too slowly through the area, the sparking will erode and eventuallybreak the wire. Passing the wire too quickly through the sparkingarea is wasteful. In addition to controlling the wire-traverse speed, thewire-feed unit must hold the electrode wire under proper tension andkeep it taut and straight. Without proper tensioning, the machine-servo
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