WIRE

EDM
TRAINING

MACHINE

OPERATION

LN1W / LN2W CONTROL

(AQ400L, AQ600L, AD360L, All with FJ AWT)

Part Number 6300015

January, 2012

(AQ400L, AQ600L, AD360L, All with FJ AWT)

Copyright notice:
The entire contents of this manual are protected under copyright laws. All rights
reserved.
Sodick Inc.
1605 N. Penny Lane
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 310-9000

Table Of Contents
DESCRIPTION OF THIS MANUAL

vi

Chapter 1 DESCRIPTION OF THE EDM PROCESS

GENERAL EDM FACTORS

WIRE DIAMETER AND WIRE GUIDES

WIRE TYPE
FLUSHING & NOZZLES
WATER RESISTIVITY

2
3
3
5

Chapter 2 MACHINE LAYOUT DESCRIPTION

CONTROL PANEL SWITCHES
MACHINE PANEL SWITCHES
ADDITIONAL ITEMS

6
7
11
12

UNDERSTANDING WORK COORDINATE SCREENS

13

Chapter 3 MAINTENANCE

15

DISPLAY MAINTENANCE SCREEN

MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

15
16

Daily Inspection Items

Weekly Inspection Items
Monthly Inspection Items

MAINTENANCE DESCRIPTIONS
DI BOTTLE
WORKTANK AND WORKTABLE
WATER LEVEL
WIRE GUIDES
LOWER WIRE ROLLER ASSEMBLY
WIRE EJECTION ROLLERS
WAY LUBRICATION

WIRE GUIDE ASSEMBLY DRAWINGS

LOWER HEAD ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE
Lower Head Alignment

16
16
16

17
17
17
17
20
20
21
22

22
24
24

Chapter 4 WIRE AND PART SETUP PROCEDURES

26

CHANGING WIRE SIZE SETTINGS ON THE MACHINE

SPOOL WEIGHT SETTING
VERTICAL WIRE ALIGNMENT

26
27
28

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Sodick Inc.

VERTICAL ALIGNMENT MANUAL PROCEDURE

VERTICAL ALIGNMENT AUTOMATIC PROCEDURE

28
30

AWT ADJUSTMENTS ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE

MANUAL TILT OFFSET
AUTO TILT OFFSET
APPROACH FACE
EDGE FIND USING G80
EDGE FIND BY USING THE ST KEY
WIDTH CENTERING
CORNER FIND
HOLE CENTERING
RANDOM 3 MANUAL
RANDOM 3 AUTO

31
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

Chapter 5 EDM PROCESS PARAMETERS

43

ON
OFF
IP
HRP (option)
V
SV
WP
WT
WS

CHOOSING CUTTING CONDITIONS

UNDERSTANDING THE EDIT, CONDITION SCREEN
Wire Breakage Problem Example:

44
44
44
44
44
46
46
46
46

49
52
54

Chapter 6 DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAMMING CODES 56

LIST OF G CODES
LIST OF T CODES
LIST OF M CODES
NC PROGRAM EXAMPLE

58
58
58
59

Chapter 7 WIRE OFFSET DESCRIPTION

60

UNDERSTANDING OFFSETS
THREE ADVANTAGES TO USING OFFSETS
OFFSET PROGRAMMING

60
60
60

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GLOBAL OFFSET CHANGING

FLAG7D:

63
63

Chapter 8 TAPER CUTTING INFORMATION

64

TAPER CUTTING CONSIDERATIONS

64

Maximum Taper Angle

HOW TO PROGRAM TAPER

Initializing Taper

TAPER PROGRAM EXAMPLE

TAPER SETTINGS IN THE CONTROL
Table to Limit
Table to Upper
Table To Lower
Table to Program
Table to Next

64

65
66

67
68
69
69
69
70
70

TAPER SETTING EXAMPLES

TAPER SETTINGS - OPERATOR INPUT
TAPER SETTINGS - OPERATOR INPUT
TAPER SETTINGS FOR 4 AXIS CUTTING
NOTES CONCERNING TAPER CUTTING
AUTOMATIC CORNER ROUNDING

71
72
73
73
74
75

Chapter 9 MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING AIDS

77

SUBROUTINES
Q ROUTINE TECHNIQUES
MIRROR IMAGE AND AXIS EXCHANGE
AXIS ROTATION

77
78
79
80

FIGURE ROTATION
COORDINATE ROTATION

STRING FILE
NOTES ABOUT DRY RUN
FORMATTING EXTERNAL (USB) MEMORY
USB FOLDER STRUCTURE

DRAWING GRAPHICS
MANUALLY ADJUSTING FLUSHING
SETTING, USER 1 SCREEN
SETTING, USER 2 SCREEN
SETTING, USER 3 SCREEN
SETTING, USER 4 SCREEN

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80
81

82
83
84
85

86
88
89
91
93
94

Sodick Inc.

CORNER CONTROL

95

Chapter 10 UTY - Heart NC

96

Procedure for Loading DXF Files

96

USB FILE TRANSFER

LOADING DXF FILE
LOADING DXF FILE
CONFIGURE HEARTNC PARAMETERS,
NC PROGRAM CREATION OUTLINE
NC PROGRAM CREATION OUTLINE

96
96
97
101
101
102

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WEDM Training Course Outline

Day 1:
Read Discuss Ch. 1 Description of the EDM Process.
Discuss EDM maintenance via powerpoint slides. Students can follow
along in Ch. 3 of the manual.
At the machine, go over machine layout from Ch. 2 of the manual.
Perform routine maintenance including wire spool threading, guide
removal, carbide contact indexing, pipe removal and resetting of the
maintenance screen.
Perform wire setup procedures including AWT jet alignment, wire
vertical alignment and table to limit/lower recording using the
LNTPRDAT program. Students can follow along in Ch. 4.
Perform part setup procedures including all codeless part alignments,
tilt offset and edge find using both G80 and using the ST key.

Day 2:
Read and discuss Ch. 8 and Ch. 5 contents via powerpoint slides.
Learn how to update the COND file in the memory and perform a
condition search in NEWFILE.
Set up a simple straight line rough cut and allow students to modify
machining conditions to see how they affect cutting speed, stability and
wire breakage.
Power down machine and allow each student to perform a power up,
homing and wire alignment.
Set up a steel plate with start holes to show students how to thread
automatically and manually through a small start hole.
Perform a test cut doing a simple circular die with 5 degree taper. The
program will be provided beforehand but allow students to practice file
loading and saving.

Day 3:
Discuss Taper cutting and required parameter settings on the control.
Begin Heart NC basic instruction for importing a DXF file and creating
a tool path.
Students should do the programming examples in the manuals and
confirm that the program and NC data are made correctly by having
student use the Graphic function on the machines.
Have each student set up a simple punch shape and actually cut the
part. Confirm size and have students modify offset data in program in
order to see how to change part size for next cut.

Copyright January 2012

Sodick Inc.

DESCRIPTION OF THIS MANUAL

It is the intention of this course and manual to inform beginning and experienced
operators of the techniques used in programming and operating Sodick Wire
EDM systems. This manual is to be used in conjunction with our class as the
course text. This course provides you with good knowledge of machine
operation, maintenance and programming.
For experienced operators/programmers, this manual and course should provide
you with additional information and technique differences between various
Sodick controls and other manufacturers equipment. As experienced
operators/programmers know, there are several ways to develop CNC programs
and various successful techniques to operate the machine. You can use your
own past experience and common sense to develop your own programming and
operating style.
This manual is not to be used as a replacement for the manual set supplied with
the machine. You should have received the following manuals with your new wire
EDM:
Operation Instructions
Code Instruction
Operation Instructions UTY
Machining Condition Table
Supply Tank
Pipe AWT
It would be wise to familiarize yourself with the above manuals when you return
to your shop.
It is our sincere hope that this course and manual gives you the information you
need to begin operating, programming and maintaining your Sodick wire EDM
machine.
Once you return from class and begin using your new machine, if you have
questions please feel free to call us. When calling, we will need to know your
name and the company name, which model machine you are working on, and
also which control it has. This information will help us get you the correct
information you need. For programming and operation questions ask for the
applications dept. If something is not working correct, ask for the service dept.
Sodick Inc Technical Center
847-310-9000

Copyright January 2012

Sodick Inc.

Copyright January 2012

Sodick Inc.

Chapter 1 DESCRIPTION OF THE EDM PROCESS

The first key concept that you must understand is the basic principle of the EDM
process.
One good analogy of what occurs in the EDM process is what is constantly
happening in your automobile engine. The spark plug that ignites the fuel in the
combustion chamber is constantly receiving a great amount of voltage and
current to form a spark. As time goes on, and the spark plug wears, you will
notice a certain amount of pitting on the electrodes of a worn spark plug. This
pitting is caused by exactly the same elements that work in the EDM process.
The heat generated by the spark causes a small amount of the electrode to melt,
and as time goes on the melted material is blown away from the electrode of the
spark plug. Of course, the spark plug is designed to fight against this pitting, but
in the EDM process the melting of material and the flushing away of the melted
particles is desirable, and the machine is designed accordingly.
In simplified terms, this is what happens during the wire EDM process. The wire
passing through the machine has an intermittent voltage applied to it. As the wire
comes close to the material (but not actually touching it), an ionization channel
forms and amperage flows through this channel vaporizing a tiny area of the
workpiece. This channel or gap must be filled with a dielectric fluid, in this case
deionized water that acts as a flushing medium to remove the vaporized
particles, an insulator and a cooling medium. The electricity going to the wire is
then turned off and the vaporized material will instantaneously solidify to form a
small particle. The flushing will then remove the particle from the gap and the
process starts over again. This process repeats thousands of times per second.
It is this constant process that eventually machines the workpiece to your
specifications.

Copyright January 2, 2012

Sodick Inc.

GENERAL EDM FACTORS

WIRE DIAMETER AND WIRE GUIDES
The operator should give thought to the diameter of the wire used to machine the
part with. Generally speaking, the larger the diameter, the faster the machining
speed will be. You must look at the minimum inside radius specified on the print
and use a wire diameter capable of achieving that radius. If the corner R was
.004" you would have to use .008"or smaller diameter wire.

Sodick allows the following wire diameters and wire guides:

Wire Size
.004
.006
.008
.010
.012

AWT
Pre Guide (Qty2)
(.12mm) 3080211
(.17mm) 3080214
(.22mm) 3080219
(.27mm) 3080223
(.32mm) 3080225

Lower Guide
(.11mm) 0206101
(.155mm) 0206103
(.205mm) 0206106
(.255mm) 0206109
(.31mm) 0206113

AQ-1Upper Guide
(.11mm) 3110253
(.155mm) 3110259
(.205mm) 3110258
(.255mm) 3110291
(.31mm) 1330067

NOTE:
a) The AWT pre-guide, upper, and lower wire guides must match the wire
diameter you will use based on the above chart. When you change wire
diameters, you must change all 4 pcs, the upper and lower wire guides as well as
the 2 pre-guides above the AWT pipe.
b) .004 wire requires optional circuit (HTP Circuit).

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Sodick Inc.

Wire Guide Set

WIRE TYPE
Sodick has developed the power supply to cut at very good speed and with very
good accuracy with plain brass wire. Hard brass wire works best for all general
cutting and taper cutting up to 10 degrees and for reliable AWT operation. Use
half hard brass wire when taper cutting 11 to 20, and soft brass wire when
cutting 21 or greater. Also look for a wire brand that stays straight when
unwound from the wire spool. This will give the best AWT operation.
Spool sizes the machine uses are the P-5, 11Lb or P-10, 18Lb.
FLUSHING & NOZZLES
This is the flow of water that surrounds the wire during the EDM process.
Flushing nozzles are mounted around the upper wire guide and the lower wire
guide. The upper flushing nozzle screws onto the upper head while the lower
flushing nozzle fits onto the lower head and slides up to about .005" below the
table automatically when the flushing is turned on. Set the Z-axis position so that
the upper flushing nozzle is between .004 and .006 above the top of the part.
This is considered to be perfect flushing conditions.
There are several size flushing nozzles. The standard flush nozzle is 6mm I.D.
and can be used to a maximum taper angle of 10. The 10mm I.D. nozzle is for
taper angles up to 20.

6mm upper and lower nozzles.

Large 10mm upper and lower nozzles.

Flushing is one of the most important factors that contribute to the EDM process.
This is because the small particles created by the EDM process MUST be
removed from the work area, otherwise double burning of these particles will
occur and the insulation properties of the dielectric are eliminated resulting in
unstable cutting. You will find that the better the flushing, the faster and more

Copyright January 2, 2012

Sodick Inc.

stable the EDM process will occur and wire breakage will decrease. During rough
cutting, you usually want high flushing pressure (T84 code) to remove the
particles. During skim cuts, you want low flushing pressure (T85 code) to avoid
having the pressure of the flushing deflect the wire.
When you enter the cut from the edge of a workpiece or when machining close to
an internal shape, a portion of flushing is being dispersed by the wall of the part
itself. When the wire is not surrounded on both sides of the wire by about 0.25 of
material the flushing is not perfect and the cut may become unstable and the
power may have to be reduced.

There are 2 sizes of flush nozzles that come with a new machine.
For up to 10 taper cutting use the 6mm I.D. nozzle (standard).
For up to 20 taper cutting use the 10 mm I.D. nozzle.
Once you have the proper flush nozzles for the taper angle you are about to cut,
you should dry run the machine and visually verify that the wire isnt touching the
I.D. of the nozzle. If it is, the nozzles with a larger I.D. opening need to be
installed and verify again that the wire isnt touching the I.D. of the nozzle.

Upper Nozzles
(Size) Part No.

Note

(3mm ID) 3082997

Close edge work.

(6mm I.D.) 3081604

10 max taper, comes standard with machine

(6mm I.D.) 3081682

Extended Length. L6.5mm

(6mm ID) 3082396

Extended Length Nozzle. L26.5

(10mm I.D.) 3081606

20 max taper, comes standard with machine

(16mm I.D.) 3081868

30 max taper, available from parts dept.

(40mmI.D.) 3086875

45 max taper, Special. Mounting parts required,

see below

Lower Nozzles
(Size) Part No.

Note

(3mm ID) 3110508

Close edge work

(6mm ID)

10 max taper, comes standard with machine

3110303

(6mm ID) 3110463

Extended Height Nozzle. Taller by 4mm

(10mm ID) 3110461

20 max taper, comes standard with machine

(14mm ID) 3086876

45 max taper, available from parts dept.

Copyright January 2, 2012

Sodick Inc.

WATER RESISTIVITY
The water resistivity affects the EDM process. The water is intended to be a
dielectric, meaning that the water is an insulator to electricity. However, in real
life this is impossible to achieve. There is a bottle containing deionization (DI)
resin hooked up to the dielectric tank that removes the charged ions from the
water thus increasing its resistivity and maintaining a set range.
High water resistivity allows a focused discharge, which allows the machine to
cut fast, stable and also reduces rusting of the workpiece. Low water resistivity
allows the spark discharge to leak out of the cutting area, which slows down the
cut. It can also cause rusting on your work piece. This is why it is required to
monitor the resistivity daily. The normal setting for water resistivity is 55000
ohms to 65000 ohms per centimeter. When the DI bottle cannot maintain the
resistivity level of 55000 or HIGHER, it must be recharged with new resin.

Resitivity display at the machine.

Clean the probe in the dielectric tank on a regular basis to maintain a valid
reading.
Resistivity range setting value is stored in the Setting User2 screen.
Super Pika option requires a higher setting.

Copyright January 2, 2012

Sodick Inc.

Chapter 2 MACHINE LAYOUT DESCRIPTION

Another key concept to understand is the basic makeup of the machine. Our
intention first is to look at the machine from the operators viewpoint. Later, we
will look at the machine from the programmers viewpoint.
While the configuration may change from model to model, you will find that there
are many consistencies from one Sodick wire EDM machine to another. This
section is intended to acquaint you with the components of the machine and
control. Each machine is made up of three basic components; the machine tool,
dielectric system, and control.
As the table moves from right to left and vise-versa, it is moving along the X
axis. As the table moves in and out, it is moving along the Y axis. The up and
down motion of the upper head is the Z axis.
The upper head can also move in two directions parallel to the X and Y-axis.
These motion directions are primarily used to create taper. As the upper guide
moves left to right, it is moving in the U axis. As the upper guide moves in and
out, it is moving in the V axis.

V-axis
U-axis

Z-axis

Table
Y-axis
X-axis

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Sodick Inc.

Here is an introduction to many of the most important keys and switches on the
control panel. These are important ones to be familiar with. To make it a little
easier, we break them down into logical categories.
1

8
9

10

11

CONTROL PANEL SWITCHES

1
[SOURCE ON/OFF] switches
These switches are used to switch the power to the NC part of the power supply
unit. Do not press the [SOURCE OFF] switch with the [POWER ON] switch held
down; press the [SOURCE OFF] switch after pressing the [POWER OFF] switch.
To protect the machine, allow at least two minutes between pressing of the
[SOURCE ON] switch and [SOURCE OFF] switch and vice versa.
2
[POWER ON/OFF] switches
These switches are used to switch the power to the machine related section on
and off.
Note: The [POWER ON] switch is valid when the [SOURCE ON] switch has
been pressed and the system has started up. To protect the machine, allow at
least two minutes between pressing of the [POWER ON] switch and [POWER
OFF] switch and vice versa.
3
[EMERGENCY STOP] switch shuts off the power to the machine and the
power supply unit. This large red button turns off the POWER and the
SOURCE on the control. This will power down the control and machine
completely.
4
[AWT CUT/THREAD] switch

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These switches are used to cut and automatically thread the wire.
5
[TENSION ON/OFF] switches
Not Used.
6
[WIRE STOP/RUN] switches
These switches are used to stop and start wire running.
7
[HIGH PRESSURE ON/OFF] switches
These switches are used to turn highpressure flushing on and off.
8
[LOW PRESSURE ON/OFF] switches
These switches are used to turn lowpressure flushing on and off.
9
[TANK FILL ON/OFF] switches
These switches are used to turn supply of dielectric fluid to the tank on and off.
10
[TANK DRAIN ON/OFF] switches
These switches are used to open and close the tank drain.
11
[TANK DOOR UP/DN] switches
These switches are used to raise and lower the tank door.
(Note: VZ AQ750 and AQ900 models have a manual switch to raise and lower
tank)

12

13

14
20
15

16

17

18

19

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Sodick Inc.

12
[A0] to [A3] Switches
These switches are used to execute program files which are stored in the NC
unit. The relationship between the program file to be executed and the switches
to be pressed is shown below. Using the Edit function you can customize these
files. It is convenient to store programs for setup operations such as centering in
these files.
Switch

File Name

Program

A0

_ZZ21

Users program

A1

_ZZ22

Users program

A2

_ZZ23

Users program

A3

_ZZ24

Users program

SHIFT+ A0

_ZZ25

Users program

SHIFT+ A1

_ZZ26

Users program

SHIFT+ A2

_ZZ27

Users program

SHIFT+ A3

_ZZ28

Users program

Note: Files from _ZZ21 to _ZZ28 are registered to the hard drive as blank
operation programs before shipping the machine. The operator may customize
and register those files according to his needs.
13
[MFR0] to [MFR3] Switches
These switches are used to select the feedrate for travel in jog and dry run
operation.
MFR0: High speed travel
MFR1: Medium speed travel
MFR2: Low speed travel
MFR3: Very slow speed
Jog speed located on SET-USER3 screen
14
[OFF] switch
This key will stop the program permanently. There will be no way to continue
without going back to the start point and running the program again. You must be
careful when using this key, since you will not get a second chance. We
recommend that you get in the habit of ALWAYS pressing the HALT key to stop
the activation of a program. Then, if you still want to completely stop the
program, press the OFF and ACK key.
15
[ACK] switch
Means acknowledge. Whenever the control generates an alarm message on the
control screen and the buzzer goes off, this key must be pressed to acknowledge
the fact that you have read the message.
16
[HALT] switch
This key can be pressed to temporarily stop the actual running of a program.
To restart operation, press the [ENT] switch.
17
[ENT] switch

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Sodick Inc.

Use to start a program or after halting or when the control automatically stops the
programs operation maybe due to wire breakage, M00 or M01 this key allows
you to continue from where the machine stopped.
18
[ST] switch
This switch is used to cause contact detection: Press one of the jog switches with
this switch held down and contact detection will occur. Contact detection is the
processing in which axis travel is unconditionally stopped on detection of contact
between the wire and workpiece.
See page37 for details about using the ST key.
19
[UV] switch
This switch is used to select whether the [U], [V], [U+], and [V+] switches are
effective or ineffective.
Note: The status corresponding to the switch whose lamp is on is the effective
status.
20
Jog switches ([X], [Y], [Z], [U], [V], [X+], [Y+], [Z+], [U+], [V+])
When one of these switches is pressed, the corresponding axis moves in the
designated direction.

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Sodick Inc.

MACHINE PAN EL SWITCHES

This panel is located near the flushing valves on the machine. Some of the keys
on this panel are the same as the switch panel on the control.

WIRE STOP/RUN Allows you to manually turn on and off the wire run.
AWT - Allows you to manually cut or thread the wire.
AWT JET Allows you to manually turn on or off the AWT water jet.
TANK FILL- Turns on or off the fill pump.
AWT Pipe Air Creates an air blow to dry the annealing unit.
AWT Pipe Free Allows you to slide the AWT pipe up and down easily while
holding down the button. Use this if threading the wire by hand.
TANK DRAIN- Open or closes the worktank drain.
WIRE FEED- Use this to unspool wire from above the AWT unit.

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Sodick Inc.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Hour Meter:
Machine usage hours can bee seen on the Disply Maint screen. At the bottom
of this screen is the source on time, and also cutting time.

Worktank Door UP and DOWN:

The AD360L, AQ400L and AQ600L machines have a manual drop door. The
door must be up for the tank fill and flushing pumps to work and to run the
machine in the submerged mode.
USB Memory Stick:
On the front side of the control there is a USB port. This port is compatible with
ONLY Sodick memory sticks that come with the machine upon delivery. It is used
for program storage and transfer to an offline computer as well as storing backup
information for the machine control.

ONLY Sodick memory sticks

can be used for data transfer!!!

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Sodick Inc.

UNDERSTANDING WORK COORDINATE SCREENS

Sodick allows you to assign up to 60 different program zero points. This could be
helpful when you are machining multiple parts. However, most of the time you
will only be interested in one of the available work coordinate screens. You will
usually start with coordinate system G54. If you are setting up more than one
part at the same time or cutting multiple openings in a part, you might be using
other work coordinate systems other than G54. Prior to programming your G92
you can tell the control which coordinate system you want to work in. This means
that you can include a G code in the program PRIOR to the G92 command.
Present work coordinate

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Sodick Inc.

Here is a list of all of the coordinate systems available:

G CODE
Display AT MACHINE
G054 to G059 = work coordinates A054 to A059
G154 to G159 = work coordinates A154 to A159
G254 to G259 = work coordinates A254 to A259
G354 to G359 = work coordinates A354 to A359
G454 to G459 = work coordinates A454 to A459
G554 to G559 = work coordinates A554 to A559
G654 to G659 = work coordinates A654 to A659
G754 to G759 = work coordinates A754 to A759
G854 to G859 = work coordinates A854 to A859
G954 to G959 = work coordinates A954 to A959
NOTE: G959 cannot be set to a new number as this is displaying the machine
coordinates located from the machine home position.
There may be times when you will want to use the various coordinate systems
(other than G54) for some special purposes. For example, lets say you had job
#1 on the worktable, and it was already located. If a second job needed to be set
up and located you probably would not want to disturb the zero set of job #1.
Simply change to a second work coordinate system by entering G55, then locate
your second job and set zero in this screen. Now your 1st work coordinate will
not have been disturbed. Also be aware that there will always be an A (absolute)
G90 or I (incremental) G91 ahead of the work coordinate screen number.

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Sodick Inc.

Chapter 3 MAINTENANCE
Sodick Wire EDMs are precision machine tools and should be treated as such.
Preventative maintenance will eliminate unnecessary problems, downtime, and
aggravation and should be performed on a regular basis religiously. Sodick Wire
EDMs have a reputation in the industry to run longer in harsh conditions between
maintenance intervals than their competitors. This does not mean maintenance is
not as important and should be put off until you start having problems with the
machine. "Dont fix it if it aint broke" theory doesnt apply here. Ideally, the
machine should be located in an environment where the air is clean (not right
next to a grinder) and temperature doesnt fluctuate more than several degrees
(not located in direct sunlight or by air duct) and on a vibration free surface.
Cleaning: To remove the EDM residue that accumulates on the machine and on
the workpieces, we recommend a cleaner called AC-500. It is made by
Rochester Midland and works well. You can get this cleaner by contacting them
directly at (800-474-4762). This cleaner should be rinsed off after wiping off the
dirty surface. Try not to contaminate the water as this decrease the life of the DI
resin if too much of it gets into the system.

DISPLAY MAINTENANCE SCREEN

In the Display, MAINT, CONSUME screen, there is a bar graph that will turn red
when the item is due for service. It can be reset after an item has been serviced,
returning the bar graph to 100% and green. CUT TIME displays the actual cutting
time for an item. Put a check in the box to the left of an item to highlight the icon
box in the Run screen, when over the allotted time.

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Sodick Inc.

MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
For additional information about maintenance items, please see the Machine
Tool manual supplied with your machine.
Daily Inspection Items
Inspection Item
Check To Perform
Conductivity Piece
Index every 50 hrs
Water
Level
Water
Resistivity
Water Filter
Pressure
Wire Bin
Scrap Wire Level
Wire Ejection
Entangled Wire
Slide Pipe (lower
Clean
arm)
Worktable
Clean
Lower Guide Pulley
Rotates Freely
Wire Terminals
Connection
Flushing Nozzle
No damage
Weekly Inspection Items
Inspection Item
Check To Perform
Wire Guides
Clean
Worktank
Clean
AWT Alignment
Adjust
AWT Annealer
Keep Clean And Dry
Monthly Inspection Items
Inspection Item
Check To Perform
Air Filters
Clean or Replace
Wire Guides
Check For Accuracy
Resistivity Probe
Clean
Floppy Disk Drive
Clean
Lower Guide Pulley
Clean
Air Hydro Unit
Oil Level
Disposal Pipe
Clean
Air Regulator
Drain

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MAINTENANCE DESCRIPTIONS

DI BOTTLE
If the DI bottle needs to be recharged,
1. Turn off the circulation pump.
2. Disconnect the lines at the top of the bottle noting which one is IN and
OUT. Put the disconnected ends into the dielectric tank so water doesnt run
onto the floor.
3. Unscrew the cap and pull the cap and the rod plugged into it out and rinse the
DI resin off the screens and/or off of the small slits at the bottom of the rod
with tap water.
4. Now pour out all the used DI resin from the bottle and rinse the bottle out. The
old resin should be recycled to be used again, which reduces operating costs.
5. Pour in new DI resin and fill the bottle about 7/8 of the way up.
6. Push the rod attached to the cap down until the cap can be threaded back on.
7. Plug the hoses back on to the bottle and turn on the resistivity meter.
8. If there is a valve on the supply hose (where the hose is connected to) it must
be open to allow water to flow into the bottle. Also make sure the hoses dont
get kinked, thus blocking the flow and check for leaks around the cap.
The resistivity meter should return to its setting value in an hour or so.
WORKTANK AND WORKTABLE
Use AC-500 or equivalent and spray down the tank and table and let sit for
several minutes. A toilet bowl brush works well for scrubbing out the tank and a
toothbrush for the smaller areas.
If a small amount of acid is used, wipe up excess with a cloth.
If a large amount of acid is used, do not allow any to flow down the worktank
drain.
Use only an Arkansas stone on the table to remove nicks and scratches. If a fine
India stone is used, it will scratch the table and remove too much material.
WATER LEVEL
Confirm that the filter tank is full of water with the worktank drained. On the
AG400L and AG600L type machines, confirm the level in the dirty side of the
tank. The dirty side is the side that the water overflows into. The water
overflowing from the clean (filter) side to the dirty side should drop 1 to 2 inches.
If it is more than two inches, add water to the dielectric tank to bring the level
back to 1 to 2 inches of drop on the overflow.
NOTE: If the water level gets too low, the water inside the worktank turns gray.
This is an indication that the pump is sucking air.

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WATER FILTERS
Machine
AD360L
AQ400L, AQ600L
AQ750L with LN1W
AQ750L with LN33W

Number of filters
2
2
2
4

Filter type
SHF25E
SHF25E
SHF25E
SHF25E

Locate the filter pressure gauge on your machine. When

the pressure gauge reaches the red zone, the filters
need to be changed. If you do not change the filters, and
the pressure in the filters continues to rise, and they
could blow out. This would result in the pressure gauge
going down below the red zone, giving you the illusion
that the filters are still good. Water is constantly flowing
through the filters and the filters catch any particle that is
bigger than what the filter is rated at.

To remove the filters, locate the chrome toggle switches

for the DI pump and Filter pump. Flip the switch down to turn off the circulation
pump. Open the filter cover and unscrew the wing nut. Remove the old filter by
sliding it out from the tank and throw it away. Install the new filter and tighten
down the wing nut, then turn the circulation pump back on.

DI Pump Switch
and
Filter Pump Switch

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CARBIDE POWER CONTACTS

The carbide power feeders (conductivity piece) deliver the electricity to the wire
thus charging it with current. They need to be indexed when the witness line
(created by the wire) is about .005"-.010" deep (maximum) or about every 40 to
50 hours (when using .008 - .012 wire). They also need to be indexed when
wire diameter is changed. When using .004 diameter wire, you will be able to
burn for more than 50 hours before indexing.
To adjust the contact use the provided indexing tool, or a 6" scale.
1) Measure the present position.
2) Loosen the set screw.
3) Remove the contact, clean and check for a wear groove.
4) Clean the mounting slot, which the contact came out from.
5) Replace the contact, and adjust it left or right by 1 index position of the
tool (.040)
Upper contact: The set screw is located on the front of the upper guide assembly.
Lower contact: The set screw is located behind the head.
NOTE: Regrinding the conductivity piece is not recommended.
CAUTION: Do not let the carbide protrude more than .400 from edge of heads.

Indexing Tool

Conductivity Piece

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WIRE GUIDES
The upper and lower wire guides should be cleaned weekly, and checked for
roundness monthly.
Upper Guide:
1) Remove the nozzle assembly that carries the upper flush cup.
2) Use the guide tool to remove the guide and replace

Upper Guide

Lower Guide:
1) Remove the nozzle assembly that carries the lower flush cup.
2) Use the guide tool to remove the guide and replace

Lower Solid Guide

Guide Removal Tool

LOWER WIRE ROLLER ASSEMBLY

There is a white ceramic roller 2.75"O.D. located below the lower head with 2
ceramic guides surrounding it. The wire travels around the roller and through the
lower arm, between the ejection rollers and drops in the wire bin. This roller must
spin freely and should not feel sloppy. This roller can affect how reliable the AWT

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unit is. Occasionally a piece of wire or a sliver slug will get lodged between the
guides and the roller. That object must be removed to allow the roller to spin
freely. It may be easier to work on this assembly if it is removed from the
machine. To remove the roller assembly, first remove the cover. On the AG400L
and AG600L machines, loosen and remove the metal cover held in place by 2
Phillips screws and then the 2 screws located at the top of the right side of the
steel plate. Pull the entire assembly toward the front of the machine and remove
it. Remove the ceramic guides and remove the object that is jammed and verify
that the roller now spins freely. To attach the ceramic guides, push the guides
toward the roller and tighten the screws to secure the guides. NOTE: If the small
rear guide is closer to the roller than the front larger guide, there will be a step
that the wire will hit when it comes around the roller. With the ceramic guides
tightened in place, verify that the roller spins freely. To attach the assembly to the
lower arm, note the plastic tube sticking out of the lower arm. Push the assembly
onto the tube so that the hole in the rear ceramic guide plugs onto the tube.
Tighten the 2 screws that secure the steel plate and install the cover. Now verify
that the plastic tube is seated properly into the aspirator unit back by the wire
ejection rollers. Verify that the AWT unit is reliable now by doing several cut and
threads.
WIRE EJECTION ROLLERS
There is a set of wire ejection rollers located above the wire bin. These rollers
pull the wire from the spool, through the machine and drop it in the wire bin. The
pressure between these rollers affects how the wire lies in the bin. When the wire
run is turned on, if the wire is not lying flat in the bin, increase the pressure by
turning the adjusting bolt (located directly behind or above the rear roller)
clockwise or decrease it by turning counterclockwise. There is a spacer ring
located on the adjusting bolt. Turn the bolt until it bottoms out on the spacer ring.
This is maximum pressure between the ejection rollers. This is the setting used
for .008" and .010" wire. For .012" wire, decrease the pressure between the
ejection rollers by turning the adjusting bolt several turns. This will allow the
bigger diameter wire to enter the ejection rollers. Wait several minutes between
adjustments. This will allow you to read how the wire is lying in the bin.
CAUTION: If the pressure is decreased too much, the rollers cannot grip the wire
and the wire will slip. Watch the wire spool and verify it is rotating smoothly and
not jerking. You can also detect slight wire slippage, not visually detectable, by
turning the wire run on so the wire is being pulled from the spool and touch the
wire between the upper and lower head. CAUTION: Do not touch the wire if the
generator has clicked on, which sends current to the wire. The wire should feel
smooth with no detectable vibration. NOTE: If you push on the wire too hard,
you will create vibration in the wire; therefore touch the wire gently.
Occasionally, trying a different wire may eliminate the curling problem. Sodick
also offers an optional wire chopper that chops the wire into small bits and drops
them into the wire bin thus eliminating wire curling in the bin.

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WAY LUBRICATION
AD325L, AG400L, AG600L: Grease is not required.

WIRE GUIDE ASSEMBLY DRAWINGS

Lower Guide Assembly

Tool

Tool

Nozzle

Guide

Carbide
Contact
Screw

Carbide Contact

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Upper Guide Assembly: AQ400L AQ600L AD360L

Carbide
Contact
Screw

Upper Guide

Guide Tool

Upper Nozzle
Assembly

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LOWER HEAD ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE

Gauge Ring, supplied

in accessory kit

Adjustment set screws (2)

Locking screws (2)

Lower Head Alignment

To check lower head alignment, use the round gauge ring (supplied with
machine), a surface gauge and an indicator. Set the surface gauge on the
machines worktable and zero out the dial. Swing the indicator over to the gauge
ring (as shown above) and determine how far above or below the table the top of
the gauge ring is. Adjust the lower head so that the top surface of the gauge ring
is about .001", below the worktable and flat. Loosen the locking screws and use
the adjustment set screws shown to adjust the head upwards. If it is too high to
begin with, you will need to tap it down.

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1)
2)
3)
4)

Adjustment Screws
Locking Screws
Lower Arm
Gauge Ring Tool (from accessories kit)

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Chapter 4 WIRE AND PART SETUP PROCEDURES

CHANGING WIRE SIZE SETTINGS ON THE MACHINE
When changing wire diameter, please confirm the following settings are correct
before operating the machine.
Condition File Setting
Go to the Edit, NC Edit screen and pull up the file named COND. Confirm
that the WK and WT settings for C100, C777 and C888 all match the diameter
of the wire as per the following table:
Diameter
.004
.006
.008
.010
.012

WK
010
015
020
025
030

WT
035
060
120
160
200

After making the changes :

1) Press BLUE save button at the top of the screen.
2) Change to MDI screen and type C777 and press ENT key.
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SPOOL WEIGHT SETTING

Note: Below information doesnt apply to models with jumbo spooler and AQ750L
or AQ900L.
When changing the weight of the wire spool, please adjust these settings. These
settings change the rewind motor power used on the spool. Change to the
Setting, User2 screen.
Weight of wire spool
STANDARD AWT BACKTEN
STD. WIRE BROKEN BACKTEN
STANDARD THREAD BACKTEN

=
=
=
=

11Lb
80
65
80

18-22Lb
add 10
add 10
add 10

.006 wire and larger use these

settings (WK15 and up).

If you never use .004 wire, zero

out these 2 settings.

Standard Awt Backten: This parameter is used when the spool is rewinding after
a wire break (AWT function).
Std. Wire Broken Backten : This parameter is used for the reversing tension of
the wire spool when the wire is not threaded .
Standard Thread Backten: This parameter is used for the reversing tension of
the wire spool when the wire is threaded.

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VERTICAL WIRE ALIGNMENT

VERTICAL ALIGNMENT MANUAL PROCEDURE

1) Determine wire tension value for wire size to be used (pg24)
2) Blow-dry the AWT, Upper Guide Head Assembly, and Alignment Block.
3) Place the Alignment block on the worktable, and jog the wire near its edge.
4) Choose Manual, Prepare, Vert. Align, Manual buttons.
5) Choose the axis (X or Y) and direction (+ or -) which will cause the wire to
travel into the block and press ENT.
6) Once sparking begins on the block manually jog the UV to obtain even
sparking from top to bottom (UV button must be ON).
7) Press OFF and ACK when satisfied.
8) Click on the U or V 0 set button, and press ENT.
(choose the axis you just adjusted).
9) Move the block so that you can do the 2ND axis and repeat the procedure.

Final Procedure to zero out all work screens

When U and V are aligned, you should zero out all the other work coordinate
screens.
10) Press Manual, MDI buttons on the right side of the screen.
11) Type G97UV and press ENT.

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Adjust so that sparks f ly evenly at top and bottom.

Vertical
alignment block

Workpiece stand

NOTE:

It is not necessary to perform vertical alignment for each workpiece, but it

must be performed in the following cases:
When it has not been performed for two or three days
After a collision with an obstacle
When a wire guide has been removed
If there is any dirt between the vertical alignment block and the workpiece
stand, or there are scratches on these contacting surfaces, accurate vertical
alignment will not be possible.
DRY - DRY - DRY. If you cannot see the sparking along the side of the
squaring block, you need to dry the upper head again. Unless the wire is
completely free of moisture, sparks will not be generated evenly.
Close the flushing valves full.
Disconnect Upper flushing hose
Blow dry with an air hose, through the upper flushing hose fitting.
Use the button AWT PIPE AIR to blow dry, the AWT thread pipe.

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VERTICAL ALIGNMENT AUTOMATIC PROCEDURE

1) Confirm that the U and V axis are aligned within .010 already.
2) Clamp the block and indicate it straight and level on the front table
3) Position the wire to the right side and the upper head about .25 above the
block.
4) Choose Manual, Prepare, Vert. Align, Auto
5) DIR setting: Click X 6) Enter wire tension value for wire size to be used (pg24)
7) Turn ON the U V axis zero set button (pushed in). If left OFF the U or V
will not zero out automatically when this procedure is finished.
8) Press ENT to start the alignment process.
9) When the cycle ends for the U axis, reposition the block to the side work
table and the wire so as alignment can be performed in the Y- direction.
10) Repeat above steps to align the wire in the Y- axis direction. Use Y- for
the Dir setting in step 5.

Final Procedure to zero out all work screens

When U and V are aligned, you should zero out all the other work coordinate
screens.
11) Press Manual, M.D.I. buttons on the right side of the screen.
12) Type G97UV and press ENT.

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AWT ADJUSTMENTS ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE

The wire should be vertically aligned before performing this procedure.
For the AWT to thread correctly, the U & V axis will need to offset to align the
water jet with the lower wire guide. The U & V movement is measured by the
following procedure:
1) Remove the lower flange and flushing nozzle
2) Upper split guide AWT: Move the AWT pipe down so that the end of
the pipe is about .5" above the lower wire guide
3) Go to Manual, MDI and press the AWT water button. (On the
machines keypad). This button turns on the water jet.
4) Jog the U & V axis until the jet is centralized in the funnel in the lower
guide and write down the UV offset values.
5) Go to Manual, Prepare, AWT2 UV Offset, and press the Auto
Login button. This will store the U & V AWT offsets in the user settings
automatically.
6) Go to Manual, MDI and type UV and press ENT to return the U & V
axis to zero.
7) Press the AWT water off button, and raise the AWT pipe all the way
up.
8) Execute an AWT to verify AWT reliability. You will now see the UV
move the amount that you input, during the AWT cycle. When the cycle
is done, the pipe returns to the top position and the UV returns to zero.

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Confirm on the Setting, User2 screen that the AWT offsets have been logged
correctly. You can also adjust the values directly here without using the Manual,
Prepare screen discussed previously.

If the holes to be threaded through are very small, (approx .010 thru .030)
aligning the jet to the top of the hole in the part rather than the lower guide, may
give better AWT reliability.
There are 2 AWT pipes available. They have an I.D. of .7mm or 1mm. The O.D.
is .079 inches. Use the .7mm ID pipe for .004 - .008 wire, when threading
through small start holes.

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MANUAL TILT OFFSET

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Move the wire near the first pickup location of a ground edge.
Set jog speed on remote to MFR = 2
Turn on Wire Run switch.
Press together the ST key and a jog key so the wire touches the ground
edge.
After machine beeps and with the wire still in contact with the part, hit the
Read 1st button.
Repeat this procedure for the 2nd contact position.
Press the ENT key to rotate your coordinate system by the angle between
your two pickup locations.
To cancel the rotation, click the Rot.CNL button and hit OK to cancel
rotation. You can confirm that rotation is on or off on the top of the screen
above.
1st contact
position

Positive angle
correction CCW

Use ST key and Jog

key together (X+).

2nd contact
position

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AUTO TILT OFFSET

1. Move the wire in front of the first pickup location.

2. Choose your ST Direction as the direction you need to move the wire in
order to pick up the workpiece face.
3. Set your Measur. Dimension. This is the distance from the first contact
position to the second contact position. Make sure the sign of the dimension
is correct (+ or -).
4. Enter your inverted value, which is the retract height after picking up the 2
contact positions. If you are picking up a large tilt angle, make sure that the
inverted value is large enough not to hit the part as it moves from the 1st
location to the 2nd location.
5. The rotation angle will automatically be calculated and input into the machine
settings. To cancel rotation, pretty the ON button next to Rot. CNL.
ST Direction: YMeasur. Dimension: +1.0
Inverted Value: 0.25

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ST Direction: X+
Measur. Dimension: -1.0
Inverted Value: 0.04

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APPROACH FACE

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Choose Manual, Codeless, Appr. Face

Choose an Axis (X or Y) and direction (+ or -) you wish to pickup.
Enter your wire diameter = .010 (or your wire size).
Enter the inverted as 0.
Click Coordinate 0 Set = ON
Click Movement = ABS
Press ENT key to start pickup.
When completed, the wire will be flush with the edge of the workpiece, and
the display will show the compensated value for the centerline of the wire.
Axis and direction: X-

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Axis and direction: Y-

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EDGE FIND USING G80

The G80 code will cause wire to travel into the edge of a workpiece, and stop
with the wire flush to the edge.
1) Manually jog the wire close to the surface to edge find (within about 0.1).
2) Choose Manual, MDI.
3) Type G80X+ or G80X- or G80Y+ or G80Y- (see table below).
4) Press ENT
5) When the edge find stops, the wire will be flush with the edge of the
workpiece.
6) Set location by using the G92 code.
Remember 1/2 the wire size.
Always set G92 in the opposite direction of the G80 code.
If you used G80X- then use G92X+.005 (for .010 wire or 1/2 the
wire diameter you are using).

.010 wire

MDI
Workpiece

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G80XG92X.005

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Sodick Inc.

EDGE FIND BY USING THE ST KEY

Accuracy of the ST key is about .0002". The previous 2 methods for edge finding
are by using the G80 code method.
1) Using the X and Y jog keys, position the wire close to the edge to be picked
up.
2) Turn wire run on manually.
3) Press and hold the ST key while pressing the X or Y keys to jog the wire into
the edge of the part using MFR 1 or 2. MFR0 is too fast for a good pickup.
4) When the wire touches the part, it will automatically move back and stop.
When finished, the buzzer will sound. The red alarm bar will appear along the
bottom of the screen stating the wire and workpiece touched. When the red
alarm bar appears, you can let go of the X or Y axis key and the ST key.
5) Press the ACK key to remove the alarm message.
6) The edge of the wire is now flush with the edge of the part. Press the wire
stop button to turn the wire run off.
7) Remember to use the G92 code to set the axis position +1/2 the wire size

.010 wire

MDI

Workpiece

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G92X.005

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WIDTH CENTERING

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Position the wire near to the center of the part width to be picked up.
Choose Manual, Codeless, Width Center.
Choose which direction to feed the wire towards the part.
Enter the feed amount (a value that is larger than the half width of the part).
Enter the wrap amount. This value is the distance the wire will travel along the
length of the part.
6. Enter measurement times, inverted value and wire diameter being used.
7. Enter specified angle. This can be used to rotate the pickup if needed.
8. Your width direction (X or Y) will read zero when done. The wire is now in the
center of the part width.
wrap

Inverted
value

Y+

feed
Measurement
direction: X+

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X+

Sodick Inc.

CORNER FIND

1. Choose Manual, Codeless, Corner

2. Click the corner position that you will be picking up.
3. Enter the feed amount as a rapid value for X and Y. They can be different
amounts.
4. Enter coord. set after measurement. This will be the corner dimension on the
print.
5. Enter the inverted value after picking up each face. Enter .005 or larger if
needed.
6. When done, the machine will be at the location it was at when this procedure
was started and the values in X and Y will be the distance from the corner to
the center of the wire.

Feed X

Feed Y

Inverted
Value

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HOLE CENTERING

1. Position the wire near the center of the hole to be picked up.
2. Choose Manual, Codeless, Hole Center.
3. Choose whether you want to pick up a Hole or Gouge which allows you to
pick up and center in a channel in either the X or Y direction only.
4. Feed Amount: Enter a value that is smaller than the pickup hole diameter or
you can also leave it set to 0.
5. Enter measurement times as 1 time.
6. Enter inverted value of .001 (backup distance). For small diameter holes your
backup distance cannot be large or the wire will hit the opposite side of the
hole.
7. Enter wire diameter being used.
8. Enter specified angle as 0. This can be used to rotate the pickup if needed.
9. X and Y will read zero when done. The wire is now in the center of the hole.

Feed X

Feed Y

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Inverted
Value

Sodick Inc.

RA NDOM 3 MANUAL

1. Choose whether or not you want to move to the center of your workpiece after
picking up the 3 measure points. If workpiece center is outside the machines
travel, you need to set this to OFF.
2. Set your wire diameter.
3. Move the machine near the 1st contact position. Use the ST along with the
jog key until the wire contacts the edge.
4. While still in contact with the part, hit the Read 1st button.
5. Repeat the above 2 steps for the 2nd and 3rd locations.
6. Turn Coordinate 0 Set setting to ON.
7. Press ENT to set your zero location and move to that location if you activated
the Move to center feature in Step 1 above.

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RANDOM 3 AUTO

This feature is used for picking up inner diameters only.

1. Set your feed value. Enter a value that is smaller than your part diameter or
just enter 0 if working with a small diameter.
2. Enter your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd contact angles (0-360 degrees).
3. Enter inverted value (backup distance). For small diameter holes your backup
distance cannot be large or the wire will hit the opposite side of the hole.
4. Set your wire diameter.
5. Enter measurement times as 1.
6. Turn Coordinate 0 Set to ON.
1st contact
angle: 0

2nd contact
angle: 90

3rd contact
angle: 180

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Feed

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Inverted
Value

Sodick Inc.

Chapter 5 EDM PROCESS PARAMETERS

Many factors called parameters control the way the EDM process occurs. What
follows is an attempt to explain each of the parameters. For the beginner,
remember that we are just introducing each one. Try not to become bogged
down by attempting to memorize each one now. Cutting conditions developed by
Sodick will usually generate the desired cutting without you having to adjust
them. However, as time goes on you will want to get more familiar with each of
the parameters so you can easily fine tune for desired results and even create
your own cutting conditions.
Each factor directly contributes to machining speed, part finish, and accuracy.
Keep in mind that as you modify the parameters that make up a cutting condition
to improve one of these objectives, the other two may suffer. The following is a
graph that shows 3 EDM cycles. Voltage is applied to the wire until an ionization
channel forms. The voltage drops and amperage is now flowing between the wire
and the workpiece for the length of time that the ON time designates. The
process repeats thousands of times per second.

SV

ON

OFF

A typical discharge waveform of a DC pulse.

Now lets look at the specific Sodick related EDM parameters. If you have
experience with other brands of wire EDM machines, some of these will be
familiar. However, each type of EDM machine will have many things that are
specific to that machine. Here we discuss how Sodick does it.
Cutting Parameters

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ON
Parameter Range: (roughing = 000-020, skimming = 000-331)
ON stands for discharge ON time. This parameter controls the length of time
that electricity is applied to the wire. The lower the number, the shorter the ON
time will be.
ON time is a factor that can add power to the wire. As you increase the ON time,
the machine will cut faster but the surface finish gets more porous and accuracy
may decrease because of the increased cutting speed. Usually, the ON time for
roughing is higher than the ON time for finishing. If the ON time is too great, the
wire will be prone to breakage.
OFF
Parameter Range: (roughing = 000-063, skimming = 000-363)
OFF stands for discharge OFF time. This parameter sets the length of time that
no electricity is applied to the wire.
OFF time is very important since it is during the OFF time that the particles are
flushed out of the gap. Without OFF time the EDM process could not take place
and the wire would eventually short out against the workpiece or break.
OFF time is a factor that takes away power from the wire. Increasing the OFF
time will generally mean slower cutting, increased stability and less wire
breakage. Usually ON time and OFF time are considered together for their
effects. OFF cannot be adjusted so that it is less than half of the ON time.
IP
Parameter Range: (0001 - 2215)
IP stands for peak current. IP controls the amount of amperage (current) that is
applied to the wire. IP is usually a parameter that the user does not adjust as the
correct current level is always chosen from the machine database.
HRP (option)
HRP is used with the HTHP option. This setting will be 000, unless using this
option. This option is for OIL dielectric and .004 wire cutting.
V
Parameter Range: (0-9)
V Voltage is a factor that adds power to the wire. You can think of voltage as
being a crude setting for the power range and ON time as a way of fine tuning
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the actual power to the wire. A higher number increases the voltage available to
the wire.
While cutting, this parameter is usually not adjusted. The cutting condition file will
set the value according to which pass is being made.
MAO
MAO sets the adaptive control circuit. The settings values control the sensitivity
level and the amount of adjustment to the ON and OFF times. When the
machines adaptive control circuitry determines that something is wrong while
cutting (hard spot in material, poor flushing, etc.), it will self adjust the on and
off time parameters to obtain a steady cut.
M Parameter Range (0-9)
M controls the sensitivity level. The lower that M is set to, the lower the
sensitivity of the adaptive control system. The higher M is set to, the more
sensitivity. This means that a low first digit for M (1 for example) would tell the
control not to be very sensitive to problems in the work zone. A setting of 9
would make it very sensitive. A setting of 2 is desired when rough cutting with
good flushing.
A Parameter Range (0-9)
A controls the multiplier for the OFF time. When the control senses that
something is wrong (based on the M), it will multiply the off time by the value
specified in the second digit of MAO (A) until the problem is cleared. Then it goes
back to its normal setting. We must point out that you dont actually see the off
parameter change, it does this internally. To obtain maximum speed when rough
cutting, lower the A until the cut becomes unstable then raise it back up one
number. NOTE: The A parameter gets raised one number automatically when
the wire breaks and the AWT unit rethreads the wire and then resumes
machining.
O Parameter Range (0-9)
O controls the ON time. When the control senses that something is wrong
(based on the M), it will decrease the ON time by the value specified . If nothing
is wrong it increases the ON time by the value specified.
MAO adjustment examples:
To increase cutting speed for roughing, reduce A and/or increase O.
MAO 252 to MAO 243
If wire breakage is a problem, increase A and/or reduce O.
MAO 252 to MAO 261

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SV
Parameter Range: (000-255)
SV stands for servo voltage. This sets the gap voltage between the wire and
the workpiece when cutting. Lowering this setting makes this gap smaller. Setting
this to low makes the cut unstable because the particles are trapped in the gap.
The voltage can be read by the voltmeter on the control. This parameter controls
the cutting performance and overburn. Think of this setting as the gas pedal on
your car. Pushing the pedal to the floor (smaller SV) causes the machine to try to
cut faster, but the engine size has not increased. So this parameter actually
doesnt add power to the wire, but will make the machine try to cut faster when
lowered. Setting this high will slow down the cut, making it a more stable cut.
The value set is an actual voltage target the machine will try to achieve. If it is set
at 25, then the machine will try to maintain a gap voltage of 25 volts. The SV
parameter allows for gap voltage adjustments in 1-volt increments. This method
of setting the gap voltage directly allows for finer settings, which is required for
fine surface finish cutting.
Fine Adjustment for Part Straightness: If you cut a punch shape and it measures
bigger in the middle than top and bottom, raise the SV several numbers on the
first skim cut only. Cut another punch to verify that changing the SV eliminated
the bow on the part.
WP
Parameter Range: (000 - 063)
This sets the speed of the flush pump when in high-pressure mode.
WT
Parameter Range: (000-255)
WT sets the wire tension. The value input is 1/10 the actual amount directly in
grams.
Example: 160 = 1600 Grams
WS
Parameter Range: (000-155)
WS sets the wire speed. The input value is directly in decimeters per minute.
Example: 120 = 12.0 meters per min.
EPA
Parameter Range: (-4 to +2)

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EPA stands for Easy Power Adjustment. This setting allows you to adjust the
aggressiveness of your rough pass ONLY without having to modify multiple
parameters.

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SF
Parameter Range: (0000-9999)
SF stands for Servo Feed. This parameter sets the maximum feedrate the
machine moves at when there is no load on the cut. By no load, we mean the
wire hasnt reached the workpiece and is not cutting yet. The SF will be set to a
faster speed then what the machine will really cut at, and what happens when
under load (cutting) is the SV (gap voltage feedback) setting ends up controlling
the speed. The adaptive control is controlling the speed so it feeds as fast as it
can with the given amount of power on the wire.

SF 0 0 2 5
These digits set the feedrate when under no load.
Examples:
SF setting
0005
0025
0100

No Load Speed
0.050/min
0.250/min
1.00/min

This digit is used when skim cutting only. The database will set it value
and the user should not adjust it.

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CHOOSING CUTTING CONDITIONS

Cutting conditions and offsets can be found in the cutting condition manual, or
they can be found in the machines library as described below.
The condition search function automatically searches for the required machining
condition in the condition file database in response to input of a search condition.
Procedure:
1)

Press the EDIT CONDITION SEARCH buttons.

The condition search window, shown below, is displayed.
Note: The details displayed on the condition search window as it is now
displayed are the choices input when the last search was made.

2)
3)
4)

5)
6)

Select the items on the screen starting on the left side, which match your
cutting job requirements.
When all items are selected properly, the FIND button is active. Press
the FIND button.
Choose your desired surface finish and the corresponding average
speeds and number of passes are displayed. Choose the desired setting
and press the OK button.
The system will now display the cutting conditions and offsets it has found
from the database file.
Press the OK button for the system to copy the data as a header to your
NC program.

When OK is pressed, the cutting conditions, offsets and the AIC (corner control)
will be added to the top of your NC program as a Header. The program will need
to call out C001 and H001 for the first cut condition and offset, then C002 and
H002 for the second condition and offset, C903 and H003 for the third
condition and offset, and H004 and C904 for the fourth.

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Leave set to
Sodick
Database

Make menu
choice to describe
your setup.

Press Find

Choose what
surface finish
you want on
the part
Choose a
precision level
from the
available
choices

Press OK

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Results will be
displayed.

Press OK

Machining conditions
Offset Terms
Other data
Corner
control data

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UNDERSTANDING THE EDIT, CONDITION SCREEN

Mach Fluid:
Water: Standard database for Water machines.

Wire Dia.: Choose the wire diameter being used.

Wire Material: Choose Brass or Zinc-coated.

Workpiece material
Steel: All tool steels, mold steels, alloys, stainless, titanium
CU: Copper
WC: Carbide
AL: Aluminum
GR (ED3): Graphite similar to POCO 3
GR (ISO63): Graphite similar to POCO 200

Thick: Choose the closest value to your part thickness.

Mach. Type: Choose Punch. Die is only for 3 pass technology.

Nozzle Position
Close: Choose this if the 2 flushing nozzles are .005 away from the part
Open U: Choose this when your upper flushing nozzle is distanced from
the part.
Open: Choose this when both your upper and lower flushing nozzles are
distanced from the part.

Cond. Number: Number of passes.

1 Time: 1 rough cut setting only.
2 Time: 1 rough and 1 skim only
3 times and up: 1 rough and 2, 3 or 4 skim passes.
If this is your choice, you will need to then choose your
desired surface finish upon pressing the FIND button. The
finish selected will determine how many skims to make.

As you can see, there are many factors that contribute to the EDM process. It
would be impossible for beginners to memorize each factor. One of our goals in
this class will be to teach you how to determine what cutting condition to use and
what parameters are changed most often, then, you can fine-tune the previously
developed conditions to your liking. If you are unsure of what settings to choose
from, you can reference the Sodick condition manual or call the applications
department for help.

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SURFACE ROUGHNESS CONVERSION

umRz

Ra Uinch

15
8.0
5.0
3.8
2.5
2.0

90
50
32
23
15
12

Tips For Adjusting Cutting Conditions:

During the rough cut, there may be instances in which you would like to adjust
the cutting conditions. Be sure to choose the proper nozzle position from the
cutting condition menu. Proper selection of this parameter is key to the proper
power range in the rough cut. To make minor changes to the power follow these
guidelines.

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Wire Breakage Problem Example:

Easy Power Adjustment: First try adjusting the EPA value by inputting -2. You
are allowed to adjust this parameter from +2 to -4.
If further adjustment is necessary, you can adjust one or more of the following
parameters, to remedy wire breakage problems.

Decrease ON by 1 or 2

Increase OFF by 4

A: Increase by 1
O: Decrease by 1or 2

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Speed Cutting Example:

Easy Power Adjustment: First try adjusting the EPA value by inputting +1. You
are allowed to adjust this parameter from +2 to -4.
The rough-cut library settings are not MAXIMUM speed settings. They are
designed to give good speed and accuracy. If you increase the power to speed
up the cut, accuracy may suffer and wire breakage may occur. If the rough-cut
power is changed a lot, the following skims may not run correctly. Test cutting
may need to be done before cutting the actual part.
To increase cutting speed, you can adjust one or more of the following
parameters.

Decrease OFF by 1
or 2. Try not to set it
less than ON value.

Increase ON by 1 or 2

A: Decrease by 1
O: Increase by 1or 2

Decrease SV by 2

Increase WP to 63

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Chapter 6 DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAMMING

CODES
This chapter will present most of the codes and words involved with
programming. While there appears to be a great number of them, only a few are
used on a regular basis. Try to memorize the codes used most often and what
they mean, so you can understand what the program is doing.
N: Used for numbering the lines in a program. The sequence numbers can be in
any order and can even repeat. When N is used for numbering subroutines, you
need 4 numbers (N0000)
I: Used in circular movement commands (G02 and G03). I is defined as the
incremental distance and direction in X from the starting point of a circular move
to the center around which the movement takes place.
J: Used in circular movement commands (G02 and G03). J is defined as the
incremental distance and direction in Y from the starting point of a circular move
to the center around which the movement takes place.
H: Specifies the register in the offset file or in the header of the NC program to be
used for wire offset.
A: Used to input the amount of taper angle when using G51 and G52 commands.
An angle of 1degree is input as A1.0
P: Used in the line with M98 to designate the sequence number (line number) of
the beginning of the sub-routine. When the control executes the line M98 P0010
it jumps to line number N0010 in the subroutine.
L: Subprogram Looping. Used in conjunction with the M98 code. M98 P0030 L4
would execute the sub-routine at line N0030, four times.
C: Designates the three digit cutting condition number which the control will load
into the generator .The three digits may be any existing combination from 000 to
999. Usually you would use C001 for the first cut, C002 for the second cut, C903
for the third cut.
R: Specifies the radius of a corner round. A radius of one inch would be written
as R1.0 and a radius of 0.010" would be input as R.01
Example NC code: G01 X1.0 R.050
This would cause the intersection of the next line to be filleted by .05
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RA: Specifies the amount of rotation about the G92 point of the program. Use
G26 to turn it on. Think of the 3 oclock position as 0 rotation. Rotating a program
clockwise is a minus rotation and counter clockwise is a positive rotation.
G90
G26 RA 45.0 (rotation angle of 45 degrees)
G92 X0 Y0 (start point location)

(rest of program here)

G27
(cancel rotation)
M02
Q: Designates a pre-existing routine to be executed. Stored on the user disk or
hard drive is a program to pick up the center of a hole. It is stored with the
numeric title 0145. To execute this program, type Q0145 in Manual, MDI and
press enter and the control will load the program from the user disk or hard disk
and execute it.
TP or TN: This is for inputting the taper settings Table to Program and Table to
Next in the Setting screen. These codes may appear in an NC program to load
the taper registers automatically with the value that appears directly after these
codes. Used when you want to program the machine to cut taper, holding size at
different heights for different openings.
Example:
G92XY
TP2.000 (Sets Table to Program at 2.000)
TN0.000 (Sets Table to Next at 0)
G90

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LIST OF G CODES
G00
G01
G02
G03
G29
G30
G40
G41
G42
G50
G51
G52
G80
G82
G90
G91
G92
G97
G131
G132
G192

Rapid Motion
Straight Line Cutting Motion
Circular Cutting Motion - Clockwise (CW)
Circular Cutting Motion - Counterclockwise (CCW)
Reference Point Memory (for auto wire threader)
Return to the Last G92 Location
Wire Radius Compensation Cancel
Wire Radius Compensation Left
Wire Radius Compensation Right
Taper Cancel
Taper Left
Taper Right
Sensor touch
Move to Half of Axis Display
Set Absolute Mode
Set Incremental Mode
Assign Values to Axis Displays in Current Work Coordinate
Assign Values to Axis Displays in ALL Work Coordinates
Checking Interference = 0
Checking Interference = 2
Assign Half the Current Value to Axis Displays in Current Work Coordinate

LIST OF T CODES
T82
T83
T84
T85
T90
T91
T96
T97

Worktank Drain Closed

Worktank Drain Open
High Pressure Flushing Mode On (high flush)
High Pressure Flushing Mode Off (low flush)
Cut Wire By Auto Wire Threader Sequence One
Thread Wire By Auto Wire Threader Sequence Two
Worktank Fill Pump On
Worktank Fill Pump Off

LIST OF M CODES
M00
M01
M02
M05
M36
M46

Program Stop
Optional Stop
End of Program
Sensor Touch Off
Half Tank Door Limit Set (for workpieces ~2 and smaller)
Cancel Half Tank Door Limit Position

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M98 Jump to a Sub-Routine from the main program.

M99 Return from a Sub-Routine to the main program.
M199 End of Q-Routine (Use in place of M02 at the end of the Q routine).

NC PROGRAM EXAMPLE

The below program is an example to make a 0.5 square, with 0.1 corners. The
approach is at a right angle to the contour, and starts at X0 Y0. The cutting
conditions and H registers (which make up the header of the program) have not
been included in the example below.
G54 G90
G92 X0 Y0
G29
T91
T84
T94
C001
G42 H001
G52 A0.5 G01 Y.25
X.15
G02 X.25 Y.15 I0 J-.1
G01 Y-.15
G02 X.15 Y-.25 I-.1 J0
G01 X-.15
G02 X-.25 Y-.15 I0 J.1
G01 Y.15
G02 X-.15 Y.25 I.1 J0
G01 X-.1
M00
X0
G50 G40 Y0
T85
C002
G41 H002
G51 A0.5 G01 Y.25
X-.15
G03 X-.25 Y.15 I0 J-.1
G01 Y-.15
G03 X-.15 Y-.25 I.1 J0
G01 X.15
G03 X.25 Y-.15 I0. J.1
G01 Y.15
G03 X.15 Y.25 I-.1 J0.
G01 X0
G50 G40 Y0
M02

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Chapter 7 WIRE OFFSET DESCRIPTION

UNDERSTANDING OFFSETS
An offset tells the control how far to keep the wire centerline away from the
programmed surface to be cut for any given pass. If making only one pass to size
(roughing the part right to size), the offset would be equal to the wire radius + the
amount of the spark gap. If making multiple passes, the amount of offset used
per pass will be slightly larger than the wire radius + spark gap. It must be large
enough to leave stock on the part for the next pass.
There are three G codes related to wire offset
G40 - Cancel
G41 - Wire Left
G42 - Wire Right

THREE ADVANTAGES TO USING OFFSETS

The first advantage to using wire offset is that it allows the operator to input
actual part coordinates into the program with no concern for the wire diameter in
the values of the coordinates. The control will automatically keep the wire a
specified distance (the offset value) away from the surfaces of the part while
cutting. This generates the movements necessary to make the part to the proper
size.
The second advantage to using wire offsets is that the same program that
machined the first rough pass can be used for subsequent trim passes. This
means you may not have to develop multiple programs for the various trim
passes required to make the part to the size and finish requirements you need.
The third advantage to using wire offset is that you will be able to incorporate die
clearance into your program with the same set of coordinates that machined the
part to size.

OFFSET PROGRAMMING
Now that you know some of the advantages to using wire offsets, lets look at
how you use it. Wire offsetting requires three steps in the program:
1) Instate wire offset (G41 or G42 codes)
2) Drive the wire through its motions

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3) When finished, you MUST cancel offset (using the G40 code during
movement)
Initializing Offset: To instate offset, you will be choosing from G41 (wire left) and
G42 (wire right). You must be able to decide how the wire will be related to the
workpiece during the cutting motions. To evaluate this relationship, look in the
direction that the wire will be moving during the cut. Looking in this direction, ask
yourself, What side of the programmed path is the wire on? Is the wire on the
left side or the right side of the path? If the wire is on the left side of the path, you
will use G41 and if on the right side of the path, you will use G42.

G42 Wire Right

G41 Wire Left

It is important to use offset PRIOR to the first cutting move so that as you begin
cutting, the first piece of geometry to be cut will be on size. As the wire moves to
the end point of that move, it will automatically be offset so that the edge (plus
the amount of overburn) of the wire is flush with the surface you wish to be on
size.
Offset Value: In the initialization block, you will include an H word along with the
G41/G42 code. This specifies the register the control will use from the header.
The value in this register tells the control how far to keep the wire away from all
surfaces to be cut. Register H001 is for the 1st cut, register H002 is for the 2nd cut
and so on.
H000 = + 00000.00000 (Approach.);
H001 = + 00000.00843 (1ST OFFSET);
H002 = + 00000.00587 (2ND OFFSET);
H003 = + 00000.00508 (3RD OFFSET);
G92X0Y0
G41H001
G01X.1
Y.1
X0
G40Y0
G41H002
G01X.1
Y.1
X0
G40Y0

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M02

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GLOBAL OFFSET CHANGING

FLAG7D:
Sometimes you may wish to add a clearance amount to all the offset values
without having to add or subtract to each offset in the header. The code
FLAG7D was designed to accomplish this. Before you attempt to use this code,
please be aware of how it functions. Lets look at an example:
H000 = + 00000.00000 (Approach.);
H001 = + 00000.00843 (1ST OFFSET);
H002 = + 00000.00587 (2ND OFFSET);
FLAG7D.01250
G92X0Y0
G41H001
G01X.1
Y.1
X0
G40Y0
G41H002
G01X.1
Y.1
X0
G40Y0
M02

In the above example, the code FLAG7D.01250 was keyed in just below the
offset header. This location is a good spot to input the value as each operator
can see it easily. What will happen is H000, H001 and H002 will be increased by
.0125 so the part size being cut will change overall by .025.
Notes:
The M02 code or the OFF key will cancel the effect of this code so the
next program run will not be changed.
FLAG7D code may be input more than once in a program
Recommended to use parameter Approach Pattern =1

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Chapter 8 TAPER CUTTING INFORMATION

Now we will discuss taper cutting. We will limit our discussions about taper
cutting to machining die clearance angles. There are other applications for taper
cutting, but we feel that if you understand how to machine taper for die clearance
angles, you should be able to apply what you know to other applications.
The primary use for machining taper is for die clearance. You usually need some
form of clearance angle on the die to allow the blanked slugs from the punched
workpiece to fall easily through the die. There are several different ways to
machine this taper, depending on your requirements for cycle time, clearance
angle, and basic personal preferences.

TAPER CUTTING CONSIDERATIONS

Do you want Die Land? Die land (also called die life) is an amount of non-tapered
area of the die. The purpose for die land is to allow the die to be sharpened
(ground on the top surface) with absolutely no deviation to the size of the die
opening. Depending on the taper angle, die land may not be necessary. Many
companies machine only about .25 degrees (1/4 degree) taper as the angle. If
your desired taper angle is this small, and if the part to be punched is relatively
thick, the very small change in die opening size during sharpening will be
minimal. For example, if machining .25 degrees as the taper angle, when you
sharpen the die and remove .007 inch stock from the top surface of the die, the
change in die opening size will only be .0000305 inch (per side). For all intents
and purposes, this small deviation will not affect the performance of the die.
Knowing this, companies can save a great deal of cycle time by tapering right up
to the top of the die, leaving absolutely no land. But remember, as the taper
angle grows, the amount of deviation to the die opening during sharpening will
also grow. You can easily calculate the amount of growth (per side) by applying
this formula:
Growth (per side) = TAN of the taper angle times the amount of stock to be
removed per sharpening:
How big do you want the taper angle to be? The taper angle in a die affects the
strength of the die. Generally, you will want the taper angle to be at its smallest
acceptable angle to keep the die strong. The desired taper angle will also affect
the best and easiest way to machine the die.
Maximum Taper Angle
The maximum taper angle per side can be calculated for a particular workpiece
thickness. To determine the maximum taper angle that can be cut at a given
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thickness, use the following calculation (angle must never exceed 15 with
standard guides).
Max Angle = TAN 1 [U axis travel per side / [part thickness + .800]]

HOW TO PROGRAM TAPER

Now that you know the theory of taper cutting, you can decide for yourself which
method of taper cutting is best for your particular application. We will give you the
information to do it any way you wish.
As with wire radius compensation, there are three steps to programming taper:
1) Initialize taper (G51 for left, G52 for right)
2) Make machining motions
3) Cancel taper cutting mode (with G50)
(Notice the similarities to wire radius compensation. These commands should be
easy to remember!)

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Initializing Taper
First lets discuss initializing taper correctly. To initialize the taper cutting mode,
you must look in the direction the wire will be moving during the cut (rotate print if
necessary). Looking in this direction, ask yourself, Which way does the UPPER
GUIDE have to move to generate the desired taper, left or right? If the UPPER
GUIDE has to move to the left, you will use G51 to initialize taper. If the UPPER
GUIDE has to move to the right, you will use G52 to initialize taper.
As with wire radius compensation, it is wise to set yourself a general rule to help
you remember which direction you need. If you always cut dies with the top of the
die UP, you will use G51 (left) whenever making counterclockwise (general
direction) passes around the die and G52 (right) when making clockwise
direction passes around the die. Of course, if you cut with the top of the die
down, the rule will change.
Now that you can decide between right and left taper (G51 or G52), lets discuss
the ANGLE you must also include in the initialization command. You will be using
an A to command the desired taper angle. If you want to machine a half-degree
taper (per side), the program needs A.5 in it. You also need to know that there is
a limitation of the maximum possible taper angle on your particular machine
based on part thickness. The thinner the workpiece, the greater the taper angle
can be.
To initialize taper properly, you simply program the G51 (left) or G52 (right) in a
command with the A word. Next, move to the first surface you wish to machine
with taper. The control will initiate the taper DURING the movement to the first
surface to cut.
After all the cutting movements have been made, you MUST remember to cancel
taper cutting (with a G50 command). The control will bring the wire back to
vertical during the next X and or Y movement.

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TAPER PROGRAM EXAMPLE

TP1.0
(Table To Program, see next section)
TN0.0
(Table To Next, see next section)
N0000 G90
N0005 G54
N0010 G92 X.5 Y.2
N0015 G29
N0020 G41 H1
N0025 G51 A1.0
N0030 C1
N0035 T84
N0040 G01 X.485
N0045 Y.015
N0050 G03 X.5 Y0 I.015
N0055 G01 X1.
N0060 Y1.
N0065 X0
N0070 Y0
N0075 X.4
N0080 M00
N0085 X.5
N0090 G03 X.515 Y.015 J.015
N0095 G01 Y.2
N1000 G40 G50 X.5
N1005 M02

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At the beginning of the program, the taper registers (TP TN) receive their
values. These values may be set by this method, or they may be set manually in
the Setting screen (see figure 8-3). We prefer to set these values by the NC
program like the above example.

TAPER SETTINGS IN THE CONTROL

As you can see, there really isnt all that much to programming taper. You simply
instate taper, use it, and cancel it. However, there are some machine settings
that must also be made. You can find these settings in the Setting screen in the
lower right corner If these settings are not properly made, the resulting size of the
cut will not be accurate. The control needs to know five basic things about your
setup in order to form the taper correctly. They include:
1) Table to limit
(T-Limit)
2) Table to upper (T-Upper)
3) Table to lower
(T-Lower)
4) Table to program (T-Program)
5) Table to next
(T-Next)
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these 2 parameters, when
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Table here refers to the top surface of the pedestals. The figure below shows
these relationships. A detailed description is on the following pages.

T-Limit
(Power Z at Z+ Limit)

Upper Guide

Table Top
Workpiece
T- Upper
T-Program
T-Lower
T-Next
Lower Guide

Table to Limit
Table To Limit is how far above the table the upper guide is when the head is at
the upper limit switch. Table To Limit is a CONSTANT that will usually not
change for the life of the machine. You will find it documented in the mechanical
file printout that comes with the machine. It is wise to write down the value of
Table To Limit and keep it posted on the machine for quick reference.
Table to Upper
Table to upper is the distance between the worktable and the upper wire guide.
Table To Upper is automatic as the Z axis is moved up or down. The value of
Table To Upper changes by itself because the machine is tracking with the Z
axis.
Make sure that Auto T Upper in the Manage, Parameter, Action screen is
on.
Table To Lower
This is the distance from the worktable to the lower wire guide. This is a constant
that will usually not change. Sodick documents this value in the list of parameters
(the mechanical file) that comes with your machine.
Table to lower is a positive number.

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Table to Program
This is the distance from the tabletop to where you are holding size when taper
cutting with G51 or G52.
Here are four possible situations when the workpiece is mounted directly on the
table.
1) Cutting with the top of the die UP and you want a die land, this value will be
the thickness of the part MINUS the die land.
2) If cutting with the top of the die UP and you do NOT want a die land, this value
will be the thickness of the part.
3) If cutting with the top of the die DOWN and you want a die land, this value will
be the die land amount.
4) If cutting with the top of the die DOWN and you do NOT want a die land, this
value will be zero.
When 4-Axis cutting (G74)
When 4 axis cutting, this is the amount that the bottom of the part is above the
worktable. Usually set to zero, as the part would be mounted on the worktable.
Table to Next
This is the distance from the tabletop to the other end of the tapered area
(opposite table to program) when using G51 or G52.
When taper cutting (G51/G52)
When a die block is mounted directly on the table die face up and your holding
size at the top, T- Next will be 0 and T-Program will be the die thickness If the die
face is down on the table and you are holding size there (T-Program = 0) and
T-Next will be the die thickness.
When 4-Axis cutting (G74)
This value represents the distance from the table to the 2nd plane when you
have a 4 axis (independent UV) program. When the part is on the table, Table to
Program is usually 0 (1st plane) and Table to Next will usually be the workpiece
thickness (2nd plane).
Note: When 4 axis cutting, it must be used. This sets the position of the u-v axis
plane in your part, so set this value to the amount that the top of the part is above
the table.

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TAPER SETTING EXAMPLES

Below examples help to explain the TP and TN value setting the operator needs
to input.

Simple taper programming scenarios:

Die face down

TN2.0
2.0
TP0.0

Die face up
TP2.0
2.0
TN0.0

Die face down with land example:

0.75

0.1

Table to Program (TP): 0.1

Table to Next (TN): 0.75

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Die face down with land and fixture example:

0.25 0.75

0.1

Table to Program (TP): 0.35

Table to Next (TN): 1.0

Die face up with land example:

0.75

0.1

Table to Program (TP): 0.65

Table to Next (TN): 0.0

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TAPER SETTINGS - OPERATOR INPUT

The following is what needs to be actually input by the operator for each taper
cutting job. For complete parameter definitions see prior information on pages 87 thru 8-9.
Taper Settings
1) Input Table To Program (Distance to where you are holding size from the
worktable)
2) Input Table To Next (set to zero if T-Program is > 0)
All other settings are machine constants and should already be set.
(
ON OFF IP HRP MAO SV V SF C PIK CTRL WK WT WS WP);
C000 = 005 014 2215 000 251 040 8 0039 0 000 0000 025 160 100 040;
C001 = 012 016 2215 000 251 036 8 0039 0 000 0000 025 160 100 045;
C002 = 001 023 2215 000 750 053 7 6039 0 000 0000 025 160 090 012;
C903 = 000 001 1015 000 000 030 7 7024 0 008 0000 025 160 090 012;
H000 = + 00000.00039 (Aprch.)
;
H001 = + 00000.00863 ( 1ST )
;
H002 = + 00000.00600 ( 2ND )
;
H003 = + 00000.00525 ( 3RD )
;
H999 = + 00000.00000 ( Taper Offset )
;
;
TP 0.0000 (ENTER MAIN PROGRAM SURFACE);
Insert taper settings in the NC
TN 0.5000 (ENTER OPPOSITE PROGRAM SURFACE HEIGHT);
program. Putting the values
;
here will cause the values to go
N0010 G90;
into the SETTING screen
N0015 G54;
N0020 G90 X0 Y0;
parameters as well as the
N0025 G29;
GRAPHIC, FLAG page.
N0030 C000;

TAPER SETTINGS FOR 4 AXIS CUTTING

Same as taper cutting, the TP and TN values need to be input for 4 axis cutting
programs.
1) Table to Program (Distance from worktable to bottom of part
2) Table to Next (Distance from worktable to top of part)

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N OTES CONCERNING TAPER CUTTING

Calibrating T-Limit and T-Lower
If you are not cutting accurate taper angles, it is possible that the constants
called Table to Limit and Table to Lower in the Setting screen need to be
changed. There are programs called LNTPRDAT located on your User disk or
Hard disk. This program will calculate these 2 constants. Locate this program
and load it into memory, then follow the instructions at the beginning of the
program. It is wise to do a test cut after this procedure is done, to verify that the
machine is now cutting accurate taper angles. This is a procedure that is not
done very often. Check when one of the following has occurred.
If a different wire guide is installed.
If you disassemble the upper or lower guide assembly.
If taper cutting is not accurate.
Flush Nozzles
The standard flush nozzles have a 6mm I.D. and are used when cutting up to 10
taper. If 0 to 15 is being cut, flush nozzles with a larger I.D. (10mm) should be
used. If over 15, flush nozzles with a larger I.D. should be used. Verify by dry
running the machine, that the wire does not contact the I.D. of the flush nozzle. If
the wire is contacting the I.D. of either flush cup, a larger flush cup is needed.
Wire Type considerations for steep angle cutting
At steep angles, if there are lines on the part from wire vibration, try using a soft
wire like Gisco Mega cut W, or Gisco Berco cut 390 or 490 to eliminate the lines.
These wires have more elongation and will flow through the wire guides better at
taper angles of more then 10 degrees.
Converting To Decimal degrees
To convert the minutes and seconds of an angle given in degrees, minutes,
seconds to the decimal equivalent (without this function on your calculator).
Decimal equivalent = [Min / 60] + [Seconds / 3600]
Graphics Colors
When drawing or viewing the graphic picture of a program with taper, the screen
will show 2 colors. While running a taper program, there will also be 2 asterisks
following the graphics drawing.
Green = top of workpiece
Blue = bottom of workpiece

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AUTOMATIC CORNER ROUNDING

This feature was discussed during our descriptions of motion types (concept
number three about G02 and G03 circular commands.) Here we will take it a little
further. However, remember that these techniques may not perform the desired
taper for die machining. If you use these techniques, the radius at the top of the
die will match the radius at the bottom of the die. The use of G02 and G03 with
the I and J is a better method for making circular movements on a die, since the
radius will grow with the taper in the die. However, if you are programming
shapes that do not require conical taper or no taper at all these techniques can
make manual programming much simpler.
The basic idea with automatic corner rounding is that you are allowed to program
directly to the intersection point of two surfaces and simply include an R word
(for the desired radius) in the command to the intersection point. The control will
automatically start rounding when it approaches the intersection point.
Taper Cutting With The R Code
Notice with automatic corner rounding that block number N0011 included an R
word to tell the control to start rounding as it approached X-.5. Also notice that
the X-.5. is the intersection point to the next surface to machine. While this
technique is quite simple to understand, remember the limitations related to taper
cutting. You may be tempted to use this technique to program a punch (since a
punch does not have any taper). But many times you will want to use the punch
program to make the die program. In most cases you will have to use G02 and
G03 to accomplish this.
NOTE: Offset code G41 (or G42) is required in the program for the R word to
work. If you want to cut without offset, simply include the G41 (or G42) code and
use H000 for the offset value.

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Chapter 9 MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING AIDS

Operating aids are available to simplify programming and operating the
machine. There are more capabilities you need to know about to make running
the machine easier. The following aids are what we will look at in this section of
the course.

SUBROUTINES
The M98 code can be used for calling up a program. Typically this command
may be used to make a program shorter or if you want to loop a certain section of
your program.
Subroutines involve four programming words:
1) M98 - Jump to a sub routine
2) M99 - Return to the main program
3) P - Sequence line number to jump to (needs 4 numbers)
4) L - Loop the sub routine how many times?
The M98 command will ALWAYS include a P and 4 numbers to tell the control
which line number to go to. When the control reads M98P1000 for example, it
jumps to sequence number N1000 in the subroutine and continues executing
from there. When the control reads the M99 from the subprogram, it jumps back
to the main program to the command AFTER the M98 P1000 and continues
execution of the main program.
(Main Program)
N0000
M98P1000 L3
M02
;
N1000
G91
G01X.1
Y.1
X.1
Y-.1
M99
The parameter RAM LINK allows the control to search the entire memory
for the N1000, if turned ON.

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Q ROUTINE TECHNIQUES
A Q routine is an operating aid, which allows the programmer to call up another
separate nc program by filename from within a main-program. The Qed up
program will be a separate file or program, sometimes referred to as a macro.
The program Qed up can reside either on the hard disk or in the memory.
Below is an example.
G54 G00X0Y0
QPROGRAM1
G55 G00X0Y0
QPROGRAM2
M02
The above main-program starts by moving to G54 X0Y0 and then executes the
nc code with the title Program1. Once that file ends with M199 code it returns to
this main-program and moves to position G55 X0Y0 and then calls up nc code
titled Program2.

Q file ending code

A Q routine can be written similar to any other program you have seen so far with
one exception. A Q routine needs to end with the code M199. If the Q file were to
end with an M02, the machine would stop and say program end. Usually you
would like the Q file to return back to the program which had called it up.
File name must be 8 letters or digits maximum (no long filenames)
The Q macro must end with M199 code.
Q function can also be used from the MDI screen

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MIRROR IMAGE AND AXIS EXCHANGE

There are several G codes involved with these features:
G05 - Turn on X axis mirror image (X axis changes RED)
G06 - Turn on Y axis mirror image (Y axis changes RED)
G08 Turn on X Y axis exchange (XY axis changes to lower case xy)
G09 - Cancels codes G05, G06 and G08.
When you are finished using mirror image or axis exchange in a program, you
MUST remember to cancel them (with G09.) We recommend placing the
cancellation command just prior to the M02 (end of program.) If you forget to
cancel these features prior to the end of a program, you will receive no alarm, but
the machine may still be under the influence of the features programmed,
meaning your next job may be incorrectly run.

Mirror Image And Axis Exchange Chart

X Mirror (G05)

Original Shape (G09)

X + Y Mirror (G05 G06)

Y Mirror (G06)

XY Exchange + Y Mirror
(G08 G06)

XY Exchange (G08)

XY Exchange + X&Y Mirror

(G08 G05 G06)

XY Exchange + X Mirror
(G08 G05)

When taper cutting, confirm the taper angle is programmed the correct
direction after turning on mirror codes.

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AXIS ROTATION

The machine has 2 types of rotation, Figure rotation and coordinate rotation.
FIGURE ROTATION: G26 / G27 codes.
This function is used to rotate a programmed shape about the G92 position
within a coordinate system. This function is only active while the program is
running. If OFF is pressed, or M02 is reached, the rotation turns to 0
automatically.
The triangle on the left below was the original program. The triangle on the right
is made using the original program and adding 60 degrees rotation to it.

G26 RA60.0
G90
G92X4. Y2.

G27
M02

Jog keys are not rotated with this function.

The present rotation is displayed on the Display Status screen.
No maximum limit
G26 code is incremental. Each time the active program reads a G26 code, the RA value
is added to the present value. This used to be used for gear programming (this example
is in the code instruction manual from the machine).

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COORDINATE ROTATION: G126 / G127 codes.

This function is used to rotate the coordinate system. This is used in the Tilt
Offset screen when you want to align the machines axis with the workpiece. This
rotation stays active until the G127 code is used.

Program Code Example:

KA20.0
G126

G127
M02

Jog keys are rotated when this function is used

The present rotation is displayed at the top middle of the RUN screen.
Recommended maximum value to use is 45 degrees.

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STRING FILE
The string file is a converter or translation file. It lets the Sodick machine read
and execute commands that it would not normally recognize.

In the above example string file, the following changes have been made.
END: This word now equals M02 (program end)
M00: Now M00 code will also open the drain and stop fill pump.
T90: will also use the M03 AWT skip code.
NOTE:
The control uses the string file, which is stored on the hard disk, not the
one in memory.
If you have to change the string file, change it in the edit screen, and then
be sure to save the file back to the hard disk for the changes to take
effect.
String pattern in the Setting, User 1 screen needs to be set to 1, which
activates the string file.

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NOTES ABOUT DRY RUN

Always dry run the program when all axes are in the proper start point location.
This is your last chance to catch any mistakes. Here is how Dry Run works in its
three forms:
Dry Run Modes
Dry Run 1: No sensor touch. If the wire hits something, it will break. Used
for when you want to DRY RUN back thru an existing kerf. All axes motors
run, all limit switches are checked.

Dry Run 2: Sensor touch enabled. If the wire or heads touches something,
an alarm will sound. Used if you are trying to insure that the wire and
heads will not run cut into a clamp, fixture etc. All axis motors run, all limit
switches are checked.

Dry Run 3: Table to Draw enabled. The z plane being drawn by the
motion of the x-y axis on the plotting table will be specified by Table to
Draw in the Setting screen. Only X and Y-axes motors move in Dry Run
number 3.

Partial Dry Run

Check setting screen Manage Parameter Cutting Block Dry Change = 1.
If you need to abort your program and restart it from the beginning, sometimes it
is wise to start it with dry run=1. Then once you are close to where it was aborted
you can switch dry run=0. Please 1st check the parameter setting above, and
then the control will allow you to use this function.

Dry Run Speed

The Dry Run speed can be controlled by the selection of the MFR 0 to 3 key.
These keys work the same for Dry Run as they do for jogging the machine, 0 =
fastest, 3 = slowest.

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FORMATTING EXT ERNAL (USB) MEMORY

1) EXT Memory Format: Formatting of the USB drive is not required unless you
wish to remove all data from the drive.
2) Ext Memory Folder: After formatting the USB drive, or if you receive a new
drive, you will need to create the folder structure on the drive with this button.
The USB device supplied with the machine should already have the folders
structure setup.

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USB FOLDER STRUCTURE

USB Folder Structure as seen in windows

explorer.
When you hit the Ext Mem Folder button, then the system creates the folders
as seen above, on the USB stick. For the AQ and AD model machines the
following folders are used as described.
Backup: Parameter screen backup data.
NCFile: Storage folder location for NC cutting programs.
UTY: Used for DXF file transfer into HeartNC.

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DRAWING GRAPHICS
The CNC Program must be loaded into Memory before this procedure is done.

16 Press the soft key next to EDIT, GRAPH

16 Set the graphic parameters the way you want.
If you are taper cutting you must enter a value for T_PROG and T_NEXT
16 You may need to press FLAG to set additional parameters like mirrors,
scale factor, graphic single run, etc.
16 Choose DRAW from bottom menu. (graphics should be shown).

If the alarm, same data are set in the T-P and T-N appears, go back to
Edit, GRAPHIC and look at T- program and T- Next. They cannot be the
same. Set them correctly and retry step 4.

If you get the alarm, UV presently not zero, the U and or V axis display is
not zero. Correct this by going to Manual, MDI and type G00UV then
G92UV.

16 Once you get the picture on the screen press SAVE (this must be done to
allow you to see the graphics while burning).

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16 If needed you can use the ENLARGE button to zoom up on a specific

section of the drawing (see below picture).

Note: If the program has a M00 or M01 at the end of the NC line, it may not
appear in graphics. If on a line by themselves, they will appear.
Example:
(may not appear in graphics)
N0123 G01X12.354 M00
(will appear in graphics)
N0123 G01X12.354
N0124 M00

To enlarge the drawing, click and

drag on these corner handles to
indicate the new viewing area.

To enlarge a different area of the drawing, click

and drag on these handles to move the enlarge
box over the section you wish to zoom up on.

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MANUALLY ADJUSTING FLUSHING

To set the flushing flow-rate there are 2 clear flow meters on the front of the
machine with adjustment knobs. The flow meters have a scale measuring liters of
flow per minute. Each meter has a float inside of it. When reading the clear flow
meters, read the top of the floats position. These valves control the amount of
flushing flow going to the flush nozzles. There are separate adjusters for high
and low pressure. The upper 2 brass adjusters are for setting the low-pressure
(T85) flow. The 2 black adjusters directly on the flow meters are for setting the
high-pressure (T84) flow.

When skim cutting, about 1.5 L/min. of flow should be used.

When rough cutting, about 4 to 12 L/min of flow should be used.

A combination of the cutting condition parameter WP and the flow adjuster

knobs will be used for setting the flow rate.
If the flushing nozzles are close to the workpiece, turn the black adjuster knobs
CCW all the way open. This will give maximum flushing flow and is desirable for
rough cutting. If the flushing nozzles are positioned AWAY from the workpiece
=(flushing is not perfect), turn the valve knobs CW restricting the amount of flow
to 8-10 L/min. on the clear flow meter. Too much flushing in this situation could
create unstable cutting or splashing out of the worktank.

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SETTING , USER 1 SCREEN

SKIP - This manually turns on or off the block skip slash code in the program.
This is the G11- G12 code if you want to program it.
NOMAN - When at 1 and an M02 is read, the power is turned OFF; like
pressing E Stop button. Dry Run must be 0 for this to work. At 0, the power
stays on.
N-STOP - When turned on, program runs until the line before N DATA
number.
N-DATA - Insert sequence line of the NC program you want to stop on. Must
have N-STOP turned on.
DRY RUN
0 = Dry run turned off.
1 = Dry run on without sensor touch.
2 = Dry run on with sensor touch.
3 = Dry run on with XY axis moves of TABLE TO DRAW in SET Screen.
Use this to plot out the taper at different Z heights.
SINGLE - When ON, the machine executes one line of NC code and stops.

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X-Y CHANGE - When ON, the X Axis becomes Y and the Y Axis becomes X:
MIRROR X - When ON, it flips the program in the X-axis.
MIRROR Y - When ON, it flips the program in the Y-axis.
MIRROR Z - Not Used
SCALE - Scale factor 1000 is full size, 0500 is half size.
OPTIONAL STOP - When there is an M01 in the program, the machine stops
there when this is turned ON and does not stop if turned OFF. If you want,
program it into the NC program before the line containing the M01.
STRING PATTERN 1 activates the string file. Normally at 1.
A CIRCLE POINT - When using G02 and G03, it compares the radius at the
start and end points. If within the value specified in this parameter, the
program will run.
Z RETURN - Usually 0
0 = When the program is stopped by HALT, M01 or M00, and the Z axis is
moved and RST is pressed, Z returns to position.
1 = If M01 or M00 is read and the Z axis is moved and RST is pressed, the
machine cuts with Z axis moved. If HALT is pressed and Z axis is moved
and RST is pressed, Z returns to position before restarting.
2 = If M01 or M00 are read, and Z axis is moved and RST is pressed, Z
returns to position before restarting. If HALT is pressed and the Z axis is
moved and RST is pressed, it cuts with the Z axis moved.
3 = Z never returns if moved from the original position.
MACHINING HISTORY - Sets whether or not to automatically record
operational history of your NC programs which were run.
0: History is off.
1: History of cutting time and date is recorded
2: History of time, date, error, and condition modification is recorded.
CHECKING INTERFERENCE While cutting, if theres a smaller radius than
the offset amount on an inside corner, the wire will dig into your workpiece.
This is usually undesirable.
0 = G131: The control ignores the situation & digs into the workpiece.
1 = G136: If that situation can happen, the control will stop and tell you the
offset will create interference to make your aware of it. Recommended
setting
2 = G132: The control decides how to correct the situation and the
program continues without warning you. You must decide if the correction
is acceptable.
CONDITION CHANGE Sets whether or not to update the active file or
COND file when a called machining condition is modified in the machining
condition window.
0 = no update
1 = update all

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SETTING, USER 2 SCREE N

AWT REFERENCE
0 = Wire break recovery turned off .If the wire breaks the machine stops.
1 = Wire-break rethread enabled. After threading the wire at the start hole
it will return to the break point with C888 power.
2 = Wire-break rethread enabled. After threading the wire at the start hole
it will return to the break point by dry-run. The dry run return speed is set
by the parameter Wire broken retry speed located on the Setting
Motor screen.
AWT DRAIN TIME (SEC)
0: Water is not drained before threading the wire.
Other than 0: Water is drained for the specified length of time.
Set to 25 seconds. Add 6sec/inch of part thickness.
AWT 2 OFFSET (UV): The distance by which to offset the U/V axes for the
AWT thread cycle. This offset aims the water jet at the lower guide. This
needs to be set correctly for the AWT to work.

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AWT Z UP: This parameter is used to set the distance that the Z axis will
raise if the wire breaks. If used, the Z axis raises after the wire breaks, but
before the X and Y move back to the AWT rethread point. This may be used if
the upper head has to clear a clamp as it travels back to the rethread point. If
it is needed, enter the amount in inches (or mm) that you need the Z axis to
move up. Normally set to 0
Not used if there is taper in the program.
AWT 2 RETRY COUNT
Sets the maximum number of times automatic wire threading may be
repeated after exceeding Buckling Retry value, in a single AWT operation.
WIRE BROKEN RETRY
Sets the maximum number of times wire breakage may occur during the
execution of one block of commands. If wire breakage occurs repeatedly,
exceeding the number of times set here, the machine stops and waits for the
[ENT] switch to be pressed.
WIRE REMOVE RETRY: This parameter controls the number of times the
wire tip remover operates after each wire break. Using this feature
reconditions the end of the wire allowing a more reliable rethread operation.
Normally set to 1.
0: Do not execute wire tip removal operation.
1 to 999: Number of times to execute the wire tip removal operation.
AUTO SHORT ESCAPE RANGE: When starting a cut, the wire must not be
touching the workpiece. If the wire is touching, and the setting is - 0: Machine stops with yellow bar message about short circuit.
.0001 or higher: the machine will move within this setting range to
make the wire clear the workpiece. If it cannot clear the short itself, it
stops with a yellow banner for you to move the machine so the wire is
clear, and press ent to continue.
MAX RESISTIVITY 1: Water resistivity setting usually 65000
Super Pika option set to 100000
MIN RESISTIVITY 1: Water resistivity setting usually 55000
Super Pika option set to 95000

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Inch:
MFR0: .0050
MFR1: .0010
MFR2: .0005
MFR3: .0001

SETTING, USER 3 SCREEN

AIC Maximum R: This set the maximum radius that corner control will affect.
Set this to .036
Inching: This is the incremental jog feed distance. Set these to even values
for you unit of operation (mm or inch).
Wire Broken Retry Speed: Used when AWT reference = 2 which is dry run
retrace back to break point. Set this to 5.0.

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SETTING, USER 4 SCREEN

INIT INCH For Inch mode use ON. For metric mode use OFF. If you change
units, you will be prompted to reboot the machine. You will need to do this
reboot for the change to take affect.
STROKE CHECK When on, will allow control to determine if the input data
for a position move exceeds the stroke of the machine.

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CORNER CONTROL
Along with cutting conditions and offsets set to the header of the program, a Q
command line will be added in the header. Normally the QAIC command line,
seen above, will be set properly by the "COND SEARCH" menu. The data inside
the parentheses affects how and when the corner control function works. An
advanced user can adjust these settings.

AIC feature is only used during T84 high flushing mode. T85 mode turns it off.
AIC feature is not apparent during the DRYRUN.

The data set by the QAIC command line, tells the control how much to back
down the cutting speed flushing, and also how far before and after the corner to
do this. Below is an example QAIC command line and a description of each
setting.
A B C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J K
Q_AIC(2,1,0.00490,008.0,0.00670,0.00320,032.0,0002,0007,15,035)
Q_AIC Individual Parameters
A: AIC mode low med. or high. 2 is the only setting available presently.
B: AIC Function on or off for corner radius cutting.
C: Deceleration Distance. Amount before the corner to begin to slow down.
D: Dwell Time (in seconds) for corner cutting. Not used on corner radius cutting
E: Value that is the wire radius + overburn (roughing only offset).
F: Estimated wire bow while cutting.
G: Acceleration Time. Time in seconds to ramp up the power and flushing while
exiting the corner.
H: SF speed setting when at it slowest. Also the speed used while corner radius
cutting.
I: SF speed setting when ramping up the power and flushing.
J: Flushing pump RPM when at its lowest.
K: OFF TIME setting when the power gets reduced.
Decel. Dist.

E+F
G

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Dwell time

Cutting dist. with low

flush, power, and speed
Accel. time

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CHAPTER 10 UTY - HEART NC

P ROCEDURE

FOR

L OADING DXF F ILES

USB FILE TRANSFER

At the external computer, copy the DXF file onto the Sodick Memory stick. Your
DXF needs to go into the UTY folder. The file name needs to be a MAXIMUM of
8 characters, and must not contain any space, or symbols ( -/&%$#@)

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LOADING DXF FILE

1) Click UTY Key

2) Click File Key on the right.

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3) In the directory tree on the left, Pick where this file is originally stored
EXT. Memory (memory stick) or SEIKAnet (network 3D_DATA folder)

4) Choose file and drag and drop into HeartNC

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5) Click Heart NC
6) Click File
7) Click Open

8) Choose DXF file (classa) and Click OK

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DXF has been loaded into Heart NC. When you save it the extension will change to .ASC

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CONFIGURE HEARTNC PARAMETERS,

1) Click Set NC Dat Envt
2) Adjust parameters as shown below.
3) Adjust Connection allowance as needed per your DXF file accuracy.
Adjustments made here save automatically

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NC PROGRAM CREATION OUTLINE

Preparation Delete Unwanted Elements:
Use Delete function and delete elements not used for the shape you want to cut. Delete
any dimension lines or arrowheads that may be touching the shape.
1) Click Delete
2) Click unwanted elements so they turn purple.
3) Click Confirm

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Preparation Move Origin position to correct zero position:

Decide where X Y zero position should be. A common place for this would be the center
of the part or a corner of the part.
4) Click Status
5) Click Set Origin
6) Click on your drawing where XY zero should go. In this case it is the center of the
shape we want to cut.

Preparation Add start point for the wire:

7) Click Drawing Lines Points Arbit Pt
8) Enter the X Y position for the start point, in this case we will use (-.250,0).

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Start Point shows up on the screen to the left of the shape:

NC program Creation Punch Example

9) Click Wire Cut Defs - Punch

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10) Enter Punch parameters like shown below then click OK.

11) Enter cutting condition parameters as shown below

12) Be sure to turn on AIC and SFCC buttons.

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13) Choose a surface

B finish and number of cuts as shown below.
14) Click OK

15) Follow the prompts at the bottom of the screen

A) Click on the start point
B) Click on the shape to cut (entire shape turns purple)
C) Click where to lead onto the shape

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The toolpath is now completed. Next step is to post out the NC program
16) Click Gen NC Data
17) Type in a file name for this part classa
18) Click OK and the NC program transfers to the machines hard disk.

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Load the program and prepare to cut the part.

19) Click Edit File
20) Find the program we just made (classa) by sorting by name or date.
21) Double click on the file classa
22) NC program pops up in the Edit screen

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