GF Machining Solutions / Agie Charmilles EDM spindle and axis repair
Brochexpress is an independent workshop specializing in the repair, maintenance and diagnostics of electrode-holder axes and associated spindles for Agie Charmilles machines (GF Machining Solutions group) — the Swiss pioneer of wire and die-sink electrical discharge machining, widely used in precision mould-making and micro-machining.
Agie Charmilles, Swiss pioneer of electrical discharge machining since 1954
TLDR: Agie Charmilles (GF Machining Solutions group) was born from the merger of two world leaders in EDM, Agie and Charmilles, which have been developing machines since 1954, today brought together with the Mikron Mill (high-speed milling), Liechti (5-axis machining of turbine blades) and Step-Tec (motor spindles) brands within the same Swiss group.
Born from the merger of two historic EDM leaders, Agie and Charmilles, which have been developing machines since 1954, the Agie Charmilles entity established itself as a pioneer and a global benchmark in electrical discharge machining. The GF Machining Solutions group today brings together several complementary Swiss brands: Agie Charmilles for wire, die-sink and fast-hole EDM, Mikron Mill for high-speed and 5-axis milling, Liechti for turbine-blade machining, and Step-Tec for high-performance motor spindles. The FORM (die-sink) and CUT (wire) series machines integrate an Intelligent Power Generator (IPG) manufactured in Switzerland and a thermostabilisation technology that achieves accuracies in the region of 2 µm with surface finishes down to Ra 0.08 µm — levels sought after in precision mould-making, microtechnology and the medical industry.
A robust C axis and high-precision electrode-holder systems
TLDR: Agie Charmilles die-sink EDM machines integrate a robust C axis, built into the Z-axis quill, able to handle electrodes up to 25 kg with positioning accuracy independent of the electrode weight and the machining current.
On the FORM series die-sink machines, the C axis provides electrode rotation with high positioning accuracy, regardless of the electrode weight (up to 25 kg) and the total applied current. Fully integrated into the Z-axis quill, this C axis can be extended to accompany the machining of very large parts, producing curved cavities and undercuts with perfect lines. The CUT series wire-cutting machines, for their part, integrate very-high-precision wire-guiding systems combined with active thermostabilisation of the entire structure. For high-speed milling applications (the Mikron Mill range of the same group), the inline spindles can reach 16,000 rpm and beyond depending on the configuration, with linear measuring scales for optimal positioning accuracy.
Agie Charmilles / GF Machining Solutions axes and spindles covered (non-exhaustive list)
- C electrode-holder axis, FORM series die-sink machines, up to 25 kg
- High-precision wire-guiding systems, CUT series wire-cutting machines
- Fast-hole spark drilling heads, DRILL series
- Inline high-speed milling spindles, associated Mikron Mill range
- Automatic electrode-changing systems (RTC, Rotary Tool Changer)
Interfaces and specifications
The Agie Charmilles electrode-holder axes we repair handle electrode loads typically up to 25 kg, with machining accuracies in the region of 2 µm and surface finishes down to Ra 0.08 µm on the latest-generation wire-cutting machines — specifications to be confirmed on quotation according to the exact reference of your machine.
Our expertise on your Agie Charmilles spindles and axes
Brochexpress works across the entire life cycle of your electrode-holder axes and associated spindles, with the same rigour as on the other brands in our portfolio.
On-site customer service
- Diagnostics and service directly on your machine, in your production workshop, to limit downtime on very high-added-value equipment
Full diagnostics
- Inspection of clearances, balancing, bearing condition, sealing and the thermostabilisation systems specific to EDM machines, with a detailed technical report
Preventive and corrective maintenance
- A servicing programme tailored to the accuracy requirements specific to mould-making and micro-machining, as well as corrective work in the event of a breakdown
Overhaul and refurbishment
- Grinding, bearing replacement, reworking of the sealing and workshop rotation testing, restoring the manufacturer's original tolerances
Why choose Brochexpress for your Agie Charmilles / GF Machining Solutions spindles and axes
No capital ties with manufacturers, guaranteeing an objective diagnosis
Robust electrode-holder axes and thermostabilisation systems
Beaurepaire (France) and Lussery-Villars (Switzerland)
From the first intervention through to return to production
Lead times and warranty
- On-site service within 48h
- Workshop repair: around 20 working days depending on parts availability
- 12-month warranty on all our repairs
Frequently asked questions
Do you repair the C electrode-holder axes of FORM series die-sink machines?
Yes, we work on these axes while taking into account their requirement for positioning accuracy independent of the electrode weight.
Do you work on the high-speed milling spindles of the associated Mikron Mill range?
Yes, we diagnose and repair these spindles — feel free to also consult our page dedicated to Mikron spindles for more details.
What is the average lead time for a full overhaul?
Allow around 20 working days in the workshop, depending on the condition of the axis or spindle and the availability of parts specific to these precision technologies.
Can a repair affect the machining accuracy guaranteed by Agie Charmilles?
Our overhaul process aims to restore the manufacturer's original tolerances, with particular care given to balancing and clearances, essential on this type of axis.
Do you offer a preventive maintenance contract for a fleet of Agie Charmilles / GF Machining Solutions machines?
Yes, we set up preventive maintenance programmes tailored to the criticality of this equipment, particularly relevant for precision mould-making workshops.
A reliable partner for your industrial performance
Whether it is an emergency on-site intervention, a full workshop overhaul or a preventive maintenance programme, Brochexpress brings its expertise to your production. As an independent workshop, we work across the entire Agie Charmilles / GF Machining Solutions range — electrode-holder axes and associated spindles for EDM and high-speed milling machines — with the responsiveness and rigour demanded by the most exacting industrial environments: precision mould-making and micro-machining.
Our teams are at your disposal from our sites in Beaurepaire (France) and Lussery-Villars (Switzerland) for a study of your needs, a diagnosis or a personalised quotation.
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Agie Charmilles® and GF Machining Solutions® are registered trademarks of Georg Fischer AG. Brochexpress is neither affiliated with, nor a partner of, nor an authorised distributor of Georg Fischer AG. Our business covers independent repair and maintenance of industrial equipment, permitted under the principle of referential trademark use (EU Trademark Directive 2015/2436 / French Intellectual Property Code, art. L.713-6).