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Güralp expands in-house machining capability

The mass in a seismic sensor is mounted on two pivots that form an axis which is held within a frame. The precision of this assembly is critical to measuring earthquakes to the high degrees of accuracy that our customers require.

To achieve this requirement, the pivots must be attached from two perfectly concentric holes drilled on opposite sides of the frame.

Traditional methods of metal machining can stress or distort the metal, so at Güralp we have invested in a wire Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM) that enables us to cut the holes in our components, in-house, to ensure we deliver the optimum results.

What is wire EDM?

Wire EDM is a non-contact machining process that removes material from the workpiece using sparks from an electric current. As no physical force is applied that might distort or impact the workpiece the material remains relaxed, stable and consistent, reducing the early life settling process for the sensor.

How does it work?

The wire EDM uses a 0.25mm thick brass-based wire fed from a cylindrical spool, through a series of pulleys above the machine, where it is straightened and inserted into the cutting tip via a water jet.

During operation, the basin of the wire EDM is flooded with deionised water that submerges the workpiece being cut. Deionised water has a low viscosity so doesn’t conduct an electric charge, allowing the sparks to cut through the metal. The water also acts as a coolant to prevent heat from transferring into the metalwork and warping the hole being cut. A jet of the water is also flushed around the wire, to remove any debris that may affect the cutting.

The wire EDM can effectively cut through any metal from copper and brass to steel and carbide.

By bringing this capability in-house, we reduce lead times for components and improve quality assurance, so our customers can be confident in the performance of our instrumentation.

Wire Electrical Discharge Machine
Wire Electrical Discharge Machine
Watch our video to see the EDM in action.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO:

pressenquiries@guralp.com


NOTES TO EDITORS:

ABOUT GÜRALP SYSTEMS LTD

Güralp Systems (www.guralp.com) is a leading global provider of sophisticated seismic monitoring solutions used to understand natural seismological events such as earthquakes, aftershocks and volcanos, as well as induced seismic events, or seismic signals, resulting from human activity.

Our solutions are used in research, civil and industrial applications to increase understanding, optimise processes and to protect people and the environment. Our equipment is installed in all major ocean basins and across all continents worldwide.

Our instruments range in performance from very low frequency, very low noise for global seismology to high dynamic range instruments for local, strong motion monitoring. Our sensors and can be supplied for deployment at the surface, in boreholes and on the ocean bottom. We also provide data acquisition equipment, power and communication accessories and data interpretation software.

Our services include installation and commissioning; network operation; repair and maintenance services; data processing and interpretation.

Headquartered in Reading, in the UK, we have been operating for more than 30 years and have established a global network of distributors who provide local customer support and sales services.

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