Kent CNC WSi-430

The Kent CNC WSi-430 is a wire EDM with 15.7 x 11.8 in (399 x 300 mm) of X and Y travel, 11.8 in (300 mm) of Z and a U/V axis pair of 3.93 / 3.93 in (100 / 100 mm) for taper cutting. All 5 axes are driven by AC servos. The machine weighs 4,629 lb (2,100 kg).

The work area accepts more than the travels cut. Maximum workpiece size is 27.6 x 21.3 x 11.6 in (701 x 541 x 295 mm) at up to 1,102 lb (500 kg), so a large die plate can be clamped and a window, punch opening or insert pocket machined anywhere inside the 15.7 x 11.8 in (399 x 300 mm) travel. A feature pattern wider than that needs the plate to be moved and picked up again.

Taper capability is listed as ±22.5° / 3.93 in (100 mm). The angle is tied to that 3.93 in (100 mm) height because the U and V axes have a fixed 3.93 in (100 mm) of travel: on a thicker part the same offset between the upper and lower guides produces a smaller angle. For die clearance and draft on thin and medium plates the full figure is available; for tall parts, work out the angle the job needs before assuming it can be cut.

Wire from 0.1 to 0.3 mm (0.004 to 0.012 in) can be run. The thin end of that range is for small inside corner radii and fine slots, the thick end for faster cutting in tall sections where wire breakage is the risk.

The dielectric is water, held in a 150.6 gal (570 L) tank, and conductivity control is automatic, which removes one routine check from the operator. Overall dimensions are 118 x 86.6 x 84.6 in (2,997 x 2,200 x 2,149 mm). Kent CNC's table for this model gives no cutting speed, surface finish or generator figures and does not mention automatic wire threading, so ask about those before comparing quotations.