GF Machining Solutions AgieCharmilles FORM P 600

ITM is GF Machining Solutions' active thermal compensation system for sinker EDM. Temperature sensors distributed throughout the machine structure — ram, column, and workpiece area — monitor temperature changes during operation. When the system detects thermal expansion or contraction, the CNC compensates in real time by adjusting axis positions to maintain dimensional accuracy. This is especially important for long-cycle sinker EDM operations where the machine runs for hours or days — without ITM, thermal growth of the ram can cause cavity depth errors that accumulate over time.

The AC FORM is GF Machining Solutions' dedicated sinker EDM CNC, optimized specifically for die-sinking operations rather than adapted from a milling or turning control. It includes a built-in technology database with optimized discharge parameters for thousands of electrode material and workpiece material combinations — graphite and copper electrodes in steel, carbide, copper, and aluminum workpieces at various gap sizes and surface finish targets. The operator selects the material combination and target finish, and the AC FORM handles power supply parameter selection automatically. This contrasts with general-purpose CNCs where EDM parameters must be set manually by experienced operators.

The FORM P (Performance) and FORM E (Essential) series target different market segments. The FORM P 600 includes Intelligent Thermal Management for active dimensional compensation, the more capable IPG power supply with finer finish resolution, and higher-end AEC integration. The FORM E 600 is a more economical option without active thermal management and with a simpler power supply, suited to general mold and die work where the highest accuracy and finest finishes are not required. The FORM P 600 typically costs 20-40% more than the equivalent FORM E model.

The FORM P 600 supports both graphite and copper electrodes, with the technology database optimized for both. Graphite is the dominant electrode material in North American and European shops — it machines easily on high-speed CNC mills, has excellent wear resistance in roughing, and is lightweight for the electrode changer. Copper electrodes provide better fine-finishing performance and are preferred in Asian markets and for very fine VDI finishes. The FORM P 600's IPG power supply has dedicated parameter sets for each electrode material type.

The FORM P 600 achieves surface finishes down to Ra 0.1 µm (VDI 3), which is in the mirror-polish range for die-sinking EDM. Typical production use cases run Ra 0.4 µm to Ra 1.6 µm (VDI 18-24) for mold cavities that will receive hand polishing afterward. The finest finishes require multiple skim passes with low discharge energy and fresh dielectric oil, adding cycle time. The surface finish capability is a function of both the power supply (IPG) and the freshness/cleanliness of the dielectric oil filtration.