Machine Comparison
GF AgieCharmilles CUT F vs GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550
GF Machining Solutions vs GF Machining Solutions · Wire EDM
Summary
The GF AgieCharmilles CUT F and GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550 are both GF wire EDMs on the UNIQUA HMI. The CUT F is the compact all-rounder with 350 x 250 x 256 mm of X/Y/Z travel. The CUT P 550 is the precision machine with 550 x 350 x 400 mm and a 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) load against 500 kg (1,102 lb).
The CUT P 550 also leads on accuracy and finish: 1 um positioning against 2 um, Ra 0.05 um (2 uin Ra) against Ra 0.08 um (3.2 uin Ra), and +/-30 deg taper at 100 mm height against 50 mm. The CUT F is the smaller installation at 3,600 kg (7,937 lb) against 6,500 kg (14,330 lb) without dielectric, on a 2,400 x 2,100 x 2,300 mm footprint against 3,200 x 2,600 x 2,400 mm.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | GF AgieCharmilles CUT F | GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550 |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.8 in) | 550 mm (21.7 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 350 mm (13.8 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 400 mm (15.7 in) ▲ |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 500 kg (1,102 lb) | 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) ▲ |
| Positioning Accuracy | 2 um | 1 um ▲ |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.05 - 0.30 mm (0.002 - 0.012 in) | 0.05 - 0.33 mm (0.002 - 0.013 in) |
| Max Taper Angle | +/-30 deg at 50 mm height | +/-30 deg at 100 mm height |
| Best Surface Finish | Ra 0.08 um (3.2 uin Ra) achievable | Ra 0.05 um (2 uin Ra) achievable ▲ |
| Generator | IPG Flex (Intelligent Power Generator) | IPG Advanced (Intelligent Power Generator) |
| Control | UNIQUA HMI (touchscreen) | UNIQUA HMI (touchscreen) |
| Machine Weight | 3,600 kg (7,937 lb) without dielectric | 6,500 kg (14,330 lb) without dielectric |
| Floor Space | 2,400 x 2,100 x 2,300 mm (94.5 x 82.7 x 90.6 in) | 3,200 x 2,600 x 2,400 mm (126.0 x 102.4 x 94.5 in) |
Advantages
GF AgieCharmilles CUT F
- Lighter at 3,600 kg (7,937 lb) against 6,500 kg (14,330 lb) without dielectric
- Smaller footprint: 2,400 x 2,100 x 2,300 mm against 3,200 x 2,600 x 2,400 mm
- IPG Flex generator for a mixed workload of roughing and finishing
GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550
- 550 x 350 x 400 mm of travel against 350 x 250 x 256 mm
- 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) workpiece load against 500 kg (1,102 lb)
- 1 um positioning accuracy against 2 um
- Best finish of Ra 0.05 um (2 uin Ra) against Ra 0.08 um (3.2 uin Ra)
Verdict
The GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550 is the choice for precision mold, medical and connector tooling where 1 um accuracy and an Ra 0.05 um finish are written into the drawing, and for parts that need 550 mm of X travel. The GF AgieCharmilles CUT F suits job shops with a changing mix of smaller parts within 350 x 250 mm, or a second wire EDM, where a smaller and lighter machine covers the work.