SST Partners with SmalTec to Expand Micro-EDM Capabilities

SST (Auburn Hills, MI) a global distributor of leading machine tool and consumable brands, announced their collaboration with SmalTec International, LLC (Lisle, IL) to bring the EM203 and GM703 micro-precision electrical discharge machines (EDMs) to the West, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of SST. Based in the Chicago area, SmalTec is a prominent micromachine manufacturer known for high- and ultra-high precision equipment and providing comprehensive, turnkey solutions.

“This complementary partnership signifies our commitment to offer a range of systems specifically for extreme precision in micro-sized components,” said Mark Logan, the director of business development at SST. “We recognize that many manufacturers consider micromachining to be difficult, if not impossible, to manufacture commercially. For that reason, we are pleased to bring technologies that deliver on accuracy and surface-finish requirements to these customers through this partnership.”

EM203 and GM703 micromachines combine high precision CNC technology with highly adaptive EDM sensing and machining. These models create complex 3D designs using a 0.30 µm spark size at a 5-nanosecond frequency, the industry’s smallest and fastest spark size. Tolerances are held within 10 nm, creating unrivaled surface quality and feature-size capabilities. Polishing can be completed on the inside of micro holes, features, mold cavities or pins. Additionally, micro holes with significant aspect ratios are achievable, from 10:1 at 5 µm to 40+:1 at 100 µm.

The EM203 and GM703 have recently been upgraded to use a new and advanced in situ metrology process: electric flux measurement (EFM), a patented process that uses a traditional CMM-style methodology but senses the proximity of a surface before coming in contact with it, making it nondestructive. Micro probes used with EFM can be custom-shaped using the micro-EDM. Today, micro features can be created and measured at nanometer precision during the machining process.

“Working with SST will enhance our market penetration into high volume production users and allow us to better serve manufacturers across the medical, aerospace, semiconductor, optics and automotive industries,” said Jerry Mraz, the general manager and owner of SmalTec. “We are thrilled to broaden our capabilities and offerings, as well as our reach.”

www.singlesourcetech.com