Eltee Pulsitron

Frank Bonavita

George Feldstein

Lars Johanson

Phil Haft

Kevin Brady

Steve Greenberg

A method and apparatus for vector machine control of a tool and a workpiece so as to perform desired electric discharge machine (EDM) operations on the workpiece in accordance with a polar coordinate frame of reference. The method for vector machine control calls for the processing of input data to derive vector magnitude data, vector angle data and Z-axis data. The tool is advanced in the direction of the Z-axis by a given amount to an offset position, and the tool is then successively advanced and withdrawn in the direction of a given vector angle (corresponding to the vector angle data) by a corresponding distance (corresponding to the vector magnitude data). The procedure may be repeated for successive vector angles and magnitudes, and may be further repeated at other offset positions in accordance with other vector angle and vector magnitude data. In the apparatus for vector machine control, the aforementioned operations are precisely controlled by a multi-processor system equipped with operator input capability, position and gap detection circuitry, and display circuitry. The gap detection circuitry is specially constructed to provide a normal servo control output (for continuous and gradual control of EDM), as well an immediate servo retrack signal (for immediate cutoff of EDM in the event of occurrence of a seriously improper gap condition).

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Carlstadt, NJ, United States of America

Frank Bonavita