The combination of building and removing material

As additive manufacturing and 3D printing of metal parts continues to make inroads into production environments, the need to efficiently and effectively finish-machine them when typically required gains importance.

One way is with a hybrid machine tool, which performs both additive and subtractive operations. Other times, printed parts that require machining are moved to another machine for material removal after the build process. Nonetheless, the parts first must be cut from the build base, such as with a conventional wire EDM or a bandsaw. An alternative method is from GF Machining Solutions LLC, Lincolnshire, Illinois. The machine tool builder offer the new AgieCharmilles Cut AM 500 horizontal wire EDM for cutting off additive-manufactured parts from build bases. The EDM cuts parts without pressure, damage or material alteration, and there is minimal material waste, according to the company.

I had the opportunity to see the Cut AM 500 during a GFMS-sponsored trip to company facilities in Switzerland, which included a tour of its EDM factory in Losone. My fellow travelers included GFMS customers and some of their spouses, as well as a few other members of the trade press. While at the EMO Hannover 2019 trade show in Germany, I saw the EDM being demonstrated. It was the first time I attended the massive metalworking event.

Another highlight of the trip was the tour and inauguration of the company’s new innovation and production center in Biel. After a two-year construction period, the factory for building milling machines was completed in May at a cost of about $100 million. It has a total area of about 44,000 sq. m (473,612 sq. ft.).

“From this new location, we will be able to strengthen our position as a global player, and at the same time rely on our Swiss roots,” said Pascal Boillat, president of GF Machine Solutions Management SA, during his speech at the event.

In addition to seeing two milling machines that the company has not officially launched yet, the new Uniqua human-machine interface and a presentation about factory digitalization, I learned more about GFMS’ DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 500 metal 3D printers. GFMS designs the machines for industrial applications and 3D Systems Inc., Rock Hill, South Carolina, handles the printing portion. That sounds like a hybrid partnership.

Below are some of the photos from the trip. Photos by Alan Richter except where noted.

^{GF Machining Solutions' new factory in Biel, Switzerland, took two years to construct and cost about $100 million.}

^{Inside the new GF Machining Solutions' factory, which provides space for about 450 work places.}

^{A dancer accompanied a guitarist during the dinner at the Biel factory's grand opening event.}

^{Time for a helicopter ride over scenic Lucerne, Switzerland.}

^{Nearly 90 customers, spouses and members of the trade press participated in the GF Machining Solutions-sponsored trip. Photo courtesy of GF Machining Solutions}

^{The trip included a visit to the Delea winery in Locarno, Switzerland, because a lunch in Europe isn't complete without wine.}

^{The Cut AM 500 horizontal wire EDM on display at GF Machining Solutions' EMO booth.}

^{Copies of the complementary print publication to the English version of the IndustryArena emagazine, which was produced in cooperation with Cutting Tool Engineering, are distributed at IndustryArena's EMO stand ...}

^{and from the top shelf of the literature section.}

^{No metalworking trade show is complete without fast cars on display.}

^{Here is the EMO beer!}