SARIX

SARIX SA is a Swiss micro-EDM solution provider founded in 1993. It has a long experience in EDM machine design, with the objective of satisfying the demand for EDM machines for the application of micro-erosion and micro-holes in several markets like automotive and aeronautics industry, for electronic and medical applications as well as for watch and toolmakers. SARIX has supplied his micro-EDM solutions to more than 15 technical universities and research organisations worldwide. SARIX has developed a range of machines, with different standards of precision, for the manufacturing of miniaturized parts, the production of micro-holes, micro-milling and micro-machining. Since 2009 SARIX manufactures machining centres combining EDM with additional machining technologies like laser. SARIX has reached a leader position in his field in the Swiss and European markets and is currently expanding throughout the rest of the world. Machines have been sold in Asia and the USA. A network of local agents assures the support of the SARIX products worldwide. The company structure maintains a strong accent toward research, machine- and application-development. SARIX maintains its position as leader in the field of micro-erosion and micro-machining through considerable investments in development both in manpower and infrastructures. Defined test-cases Two main test-cases have been defined within the context of micro-EDM and related to Sarix. On the one hand, the manufacturing of the micro-injection mould for the EuroOrtodoncia test-case has been selected for the evaluation of the achievable process accuracy. On the other hand, the hybrid laser ablation + micro-EDM process used for the drilling of turbine blades has been analysed too during the project. Related to these test-cases, different working groups have been assembled in order to define and develop solutions for the different problems defined by the industrial end-user. Next, the different test-cases and the tasks related to their solution are exposed briefly. Figure aside shows a poster summarizing visually the technical work carried out during the project related to the test-cases from Sarix. Test-case 1: Micro-injection mould manufacturing Adhesive based clamping device for complex part handling and flipping: KUL High accuracy machine positioning measurement system: KUL On-machine tool wear measurement and adaptive compensation: KUL+Sarix+BLUM Discharge pulse analysis and evolution tool: Tagueri Test-case 2: Turbine blade hybrid laser-EDM drilling In-line measuring system + electrode centering procedure: LZH+Sarix Micro-ECM machine and technology development: Brunel