To achieve the necessary control of a high speed CNC wood routing machine, a Delta Tau Universal Motion and Automation Control was selected, as it offered the best cost to performance solution

The six-axis CNC gantry wood router carving a name for itself To achieve the necessary control of a high speed CNC wood routing machine, a Delta Tau Universal Motion and Automation Control was selected, as it offered the best cost to performance solution. A manufacturer of precision industrial wood routers used in the production of custom routed wood and plastic parts needed to upgrade and improve its machines.
From high-speed, sophisticated, CNC production routers to the inverted routers their equipment had made both production and custom woodworking tasks faster and easier, but now they wanted to raise the standard even higher.

It was decided to consider a new design for a gantry wood router that would allow for larger work area over the existing moving table design and still work at very high speeds.

The cast-iron frame CNC router delivers feed rates of up to 6350cm/min, full 3D capability, and only minimal footprints.
The time-based look-ahead controls allowed for faster machining, with spindles that are fully programmable and top speeds of 24,000 rev/min.

To achieve the necessary control the Delta Tau UMAC (Universal Motion and Automation Control) 3U rack-based system was selected, with the MACRO (Motion and Control Ring Optical) fibre optic link to the operator's console.

It was chosen because it offered the best cost to performance solution that was available in the market.

The fibre optic link reduced the wiring between the control console and the machine, thus increasing reliability and reducing labour costs allowing for fast machine commissioning at the customer's location.

The clever Delta Tau's unique way of placing the gantry axis in the same co-ordinate system allows for both motors to act as a single axis without following error.

This ensures that the gantry tracks without binding and increases the accuracy of the system by eliminating following error between the two motors.

The powerful UMAC system controls all machine functions and communicates with the PC, which is running the Visual Basic and Delta Tau NC32 programs.

Because the system is PC based the ability to use Visual Basic (Microsoft trade mark) in conjunction with the NC 32 programme gives the ability to offer an interface specific to their machine, increase ease of use by customers and have the ability to do remote diagnostics via a modem.

Micromech Systems is an authorised systems integrator for Delta Tau high level multi-axis motion control products.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/mom/mom161.html

The furniture router you purchase should be reliable and durable so it handles all of your carving and cutting needs with minimal problems. Make sure the cnc router for sale is sturdy throughout: on top, inside, and underneath. You want the parts that do the bulk of the work to be durable, and easy to maintain.

If the material you are cutting is very thick, a furniture router may not be able to cut it in one pass, and will need to make multiple passes to get the job done. Try some tests to ensure the router can cut through the wood you will use and that cuts are smooth and accurate with minimal vibrations.

Make sure you are comfortable with the software you select for your furniture router. It should be fairly easy to program and to fix errors. The best way to become accustomed with the software is to take advantage of the training that most CNC router vendors offer. Depending on your computer and design knowledge, training may only take a couple of days.

CNC Router For Sale: Cost will be a major factor in purchasing a furniture router, but you should consider your total cost of ownership. A less expensive model might make sense now, but if it doesn’t provide enough speed or capacity for your future needs, you may need an expensive upgrade down the line. You also need to consider what short-term and long-term benefits the unit can provide, such as reducing your operating expenses and labor costs.
http://www.buyerzone.com/industrial/cnc_routers/tmm-furniture-router.html

Techno, a computer numerically controlled (CNC) router systems provider, has announced that it will be introducing its CNC router to consumers in the UK.

The company, which has been manufacturing CNC router products since 1986, is offering the 2m x 3m CE certified LC series CNC router together with 5HP high frequency HSD spindle and the supporting software, inclusive of all freight duties for £21,000. The company also aims to provide free technical assistance and online upgrades for the systems.

According to the company, the offer will feature a 2m x 3m LC series CNC router with precision ball screws on all three axes driven with state-of-the-art closed-loop servomotors. The drives have been designed to enable constant position feedback, increased accuracy, and the power needed to route a variety of materials.

Techno says that the system is based on computer software and CNC controller electronics that operate a mechanical device. The company claims that such a system offers greater accuracy and precision compared to a manually operated device, which is susceptible to human errors.

The company claims a basic CNC router can trim edges and cut surfaces in three directions, enabling the user to carve complex shapes. Once a design is fed into the computer, the CNC controller and the computer software work as the memory and command centre for the system, enabling it to move or cut in a particular direction for a certain amount of time.

The CNC router systems accept designs in digital formats, such as a dxf drawing. Users can then combine the CNC controller software with CAM software to convert a 3D or 2D image into a code. These commands are then converted into digital signals by the computer, which are then relayed to the controller. The controller changes these commands into currents that control the mechanical device.
http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp

Industrial grade 3- and 4-axis CNC routers are affordable, said the supplier, and ideal for cutting complex curves and machining 3D reliefs for mouldings

Intelicam manufactures affordable, industrial grade 3- and 4-axis CNC Routers ideal for cutting complex curves and machining 3D reliefs for moulds. The company told manufacturingtalk.com that it has just begun construction of a 4-axis high speed foam cutting CNC Router. The router has a 5ft x 10ft process area, 4ft of Z-axis motion and an integrated rotational axis that can clamp a foam block 4ft in diameter by almost 7ft long.

The all ball screw and servo drive unit can traverse at 2,000 in/min, and is fitted with, as standard, the following.

* A six-position tool changer.

* Water cooled spindle with inverter.

* Special designed foam cutting router bits up to 12in in length with a 1in diameter shaft.

* Tool height sensor.

* Chip pickup with vacuum.

All moving parts are sealed and protected with baffles from foam particles, which otherwise will harden over time causing maintenance issues.

Intelicam is offering this system for less than US$60,000.

Intelicam is also building a companion high speed foam router that replaces the rotational 4th axis with a vacuum table and 15HP vacuum blower.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/ixa/ixa100.html

With working envelope of 40 x 27.5 x 9.5 in., EcoRaptor(TM) includes 600 W, 60,000 rpm spindle with 1/4 in. collet, 10-tool Automatic Tool Management System(TM), micro-mist coolant system, protective enclosure with door safety interlock, and chip disposal tray. Controller is equipped with 850 MHz Pentium[R] PC, 15 in. CRT monitor, 250 MB RAM, 40 GB part/program storage, and Microsoft Windows[R] software. It offers Ethernet networking and remote monitoring and control.

MILFORD, NH, March 14, 2005 - The EcoRaptor(TM) is the latest CNC router to be added to Datron's Raptor Class of machining centers. A step up in size from their miniRaptor(TM), the EcoRaptor's 40" x 27.5" x 9.5" working envelope is ideal for nested (batch) machining or low quantity production runs of panels, extrusions, electromechanical parts and aerospace profiles.

At a list price of $64,800, the EcoRaptor includes standard features like a 600W, 60,000 RPM spindle (with 1/4" collet), 10-tool Automatic Tool Management System(TM) (20-tool optional), micro-mist coolant system, full protective enclosure with door safety interlock, chip disposal tray, Microsoft Windows[R] and Microsoft Windows[R]-based control software, 850 MHz Pentium[R] PC, 15" CRT monitor, Cherry Keyboard, hand-held controller, 250 MB RAM, 40 GB part/program storage, Ethernet networking capability, remote monitoring capability, CD-ROM drive, USB port and 3.5" drive.
The EcoRaptor's vibration-dampening concrete polymer machine table equipped with a built-in 10-tool, Automatic Tool Management System(TM) can be ordered with a 36" knock-out as a free option. The EcoRaptor's 60,000 RPM spindle produces low force and superior quality when tooling 0.250" and under. An integrated Ethanol-Mist Coolant System(TM) provides for superb surface finishes and eliminates secondary processes like de-burring or de-greasing to further improve cycle times. Datron's Microsoft[R] Windows[R]-based controller works with virtually any CAD/CAM software and offers Ethernet networking capability, as well as remote monitoring and control, allowing the machine to seamlessly integrate into any manufacturing environment.

The EcoRaptor can be set up to accommodate Datron's proprietary Quick-Pallets(TM) workholding technology which provides manufacturers with reduced job setup and job changeover times. This lightweight, manual pallet changer facilitates batch machining and "lights-out" production rather than single-part production. To insure X, Y, Z location repeatability, the pallets are registered using a beveled-boss in cavity system. When placing the pallet on the machine bed, it will be located in exactly the same spot every time. A standard feature vacuum pump holds the pallet in place during machining operations. Changing a pallet requires no tooling or clamping, reducing setup time from an average of 30 minutes to 30 seconds - making the EcoRaptor ideal for frequent or interrupted job changes.

Another time saving option is an integrated Z-Correction Probe(TM) that recognizes irregular work-piece topography and dynamically compensates for it by taking measurements along the surface of a blank and feeding that data into the machining controller. The controller automatically adjusts for uneven surfaces or work piece position.

I have devised a CNC Router that is actually expandable, in a modular way. Does one even exist in this world? At this time, I'm offering pre-sales introductory prices for these units. The standard CNC router kit will also take on these same design features and they are offered also. Introductory prices will be $750 for the expandable CNC router that will have a routing area of 2'x4' expandable to a whopping 4'x8'. Yes, I said it right, routing area! The non-expandable CNC router with an actual routing area of 2'x4' has an introductory pre-sale price of $405.00. These prices are only available during this design phase to implementation (a price break for the expanded lead time, if you will). Once the kits are available, new purchasers will have to pay the regular price of $1050 (expandable) and $550 (non-expandable) respectively.

With working envelope of 40 x 27.5 x 9.5 in., EcoRaptor(TM) includes 600 W, 60,000 rpm spindle with 1/4 in. collet, 10-tool Automatic Tool Management System(TM), micro-mist coolant system, protective enclosure with door safety interlock, and chip disposal tray. Controller is equipped with 850 MHz Pentium[R] PC, 15 in. CRT monitor, 250 MB RAM, 40 GB part/program storage, and Microsoft Windows[R] software. It offers Ethernet networking and remote monitoring and control.

MILFORD, NH, March 14, 2005 - The EcoRaptor(TM) is the latest CNC router to be added to Datron's Raptor Class of machining centers. A step up in size from their miniRaptor(TM), the EcoRaptor's 40" x 27.5" x 9.5" working envelope is ideal for nested (batch) machining or low quantity production runs of panels, extrusions, electromechanical parts and aerospace profiles.

At a list price of $64,800, the EcoRaptor includes standard features like a 600W, 60,000 RPM spindle (with 1/4" collet), 10-tool Automatic Tool Management System(TM) (20-tool optional), micro-mist coolant system, full protective enclosure with door safety interlock, chip disposal tray, Microsoft Windows[R] and Microsoft Windows[R]-based control software, 850 MHz Pentium[R] PC, 15" CRT monitor, Cherry Keyboard, hand-held controller, 250 MB RAM, 40 GB part/program storage, Ethernet networking capability, remote monitoring capability, CD-ROM drive, USB port and 3.5" drive.
The EcoRaptor's vibration-dampening concrete polymer machine table equipped with a built-in 10-tool, Automatic Tool Management System(TM) can be ordered with a 36" knock-out as a free option. The EcoRaptor's 60,000 RPM spindle produces low force and superior quality when tooling 0.250" and under. An integrated Ethanol-Mist Coolant System(TM) provides for superb surface finishes and eliminates secondary processes like de-burring or de-greasing to further improve cycle times. Datron's Microsoft[R] Windows[R]-based controller works with virtually any CAD/CAM software and offers Ethernet networking capability, as well as remote monitoring and control, allowing the machine to seamlessly integrate into any manufacturing environment.

The EcoRaptor can be set up to accommodate Datron's proprietary Quick-Pallets(TM) workholding technology which provides manufacturers with reduced job setup and job changeover times. This lightweight, manual pallet changer facilitates batch machining and "lights-out" production rather than single-part production. To insure X, Y, Z location repeatability, the pallets are registered using a beveled-boss in cavity system. When placing the pallet on the machine bed, it will be located in exactly the same spot every time. A standard feature vacuum pump holds the pallet in place during machining operations. Changing a pallet requires no tooling or clamping, reducing setup time from an average of 30 minutes to 30 seconds - making the EcoRaptor ideal for frequent or interrupted job changes.

Another time saving option is an integrated Z-Correction Probe(TM) that recognizes irregular work-piece topography and dynamically compensates for it by taking measurements along the surface of a blank and feeding that data into the machining controller. The controller automatically adjusts for uneven surfaces or work piece position.

For more information on Datron's EcoRaptor, contact Robert Murphy at Datron Dynamics, Inc. 454 Route 13, Milford, NH 03055; telephone 888-262-2833, www.DatronDynamics.com. E-Mail: info@datrondynamics.com.

About Datron: Datron Dynamics is the North American distributor for Datron Electronic, a German technology firm established in 1969 that has become a leader in the design and development of CNC machining and dispensing systems. Founded in 1996 by President, Walter Schnecker, Ph.D. and Vice President, William King, Datron Dynamics is differentiated in the marketplace by its focus on high-speed machining with micro tooling. Datron machines feature 60,000 RPM spindles that produce low force, feed rates of up to 1000"/minute and superior quality when tooling 0.250" and under. An Ethanol-Mist Coolant System(TM) provides superb surface finishes and eliminates secondary processes like de-burring and de-greasing while being environmentally friendly. Other features such as the Z-Correction Probe(TM), Automatic Tool Management System(TM) and their proprietary Quick-Pallets(TM) and Vacumate(TM) workholding systems enable batch machining and "lights-out" production. These distinctions have resulted in over 1,000 installations worldwide within industries requiring superior production of EDM electrodes, hot stamping and embossing dies, 3D mold making, rapid prototyping, 3D precision engraving, front panels and the production of automotive and aerospace parts.