Raycon's newest Model Novagen EDM drilling center can be equipped with 1,2,3, or 4 independent servo heads. The latest in the Raycon family of microhole drilling machines, it is capable of drilling microholes in a wide variety of injectors.

The NovaGen design is an evolution of technology proven on other Raycon machines, and has been developed using expertise gathered from many years of experience working with fuel system designers throughout the world. It incorporates the Raycon patented flow measurement technology, which can be used for either closed loop control (hole to hole control) or adaptive control (i.e. trend adjustment) The flow system measures the total flow of each nozzle and generates an SPC analysis of the latest 32 parts. From these results a deviation of the average flow from the drawing mean requirement is generated. Using the software database within the generator, parameters are selected to bring the average flow and the drawing mean to the same figure. This means that the absolute size of the electrodes are not vital.

One to four components are mounted vertically onto the locations on individually programmable A-axis stations. The A-axis assembly is in turn mounted on a servo driven U-axis. This simplifies tool and part changeover and gives accurate control of sac center position. The A & U-axis assembly is mounted on a programmable C-axis which allows accurate adjustment of the spray angle. Mounted opposite the part locations are the EDM servo heads which are mounted on a linear X-axis which provides accurate electrode/noseguide stand-off position. The electrodes and EDM servo heads which are mounted horizontally are not adversely affected by gravity, thus allowing more compact noseguide design, leading to smaller diameter holes drilling. Access to the positioning module is only required from the front of the machine and to the control equipment from the rear. This means the machines can be sited close to each other which, when combined with the reduced footprint, makes Novagen economical in terms of floor space. During machine operation the work area is totally enclosed. This highly practical machine configuration is supported by similar improvements in the machine control system, process control and maintenance requirements.

The NovaGen is controlled by a PC based open architecture control system. The Windows-based operating system provides a friendly interface with drilling parameters being selected from the database. Based on Digital Signal Processing technology, it provides simple data input defining both machining parameters and position on a "page per hole" basis and has no requirement for standard part programs.