CNC Routers & Tooling Spotlight

5-axis CNC for Under $40K

ShopBot Tools' 5-Axis PRSalpha CNC router performs multi-axis production work at an affordable price. The ShopBot 5-axis PRSalpha performs production cutting, drilling, trimming, and prototype- and fixture-machining in a large work envelope, accessible from all angles. Use with plastic, wood, metal and more. How can they help you boost production efficiency? Give them a call, and they will help you choose the right tool for your needs.

For more information, contact ShopBot Tools, Inc., 3333B Industrial Drive, Durham, NC, 27704, 919-680-4800/888-680-4466, Fax: 919-680-4900, E-mail: see their website, Web: www.shopbottools.com.

Configurable CNC Routers

If you are looking for a cutting machine for demanding production projects, AXYZ CNC routers offer configurability and ease of use for plastic fabricators the world over. Designed and built in Canada, with a range of 5 base sizes and a choice of process lengths, means there’s a machine to suit every requirement. The router is easily able to machine and engrave all types of plastic material including acrylic, ABS, Lexan, HDPE, PVC, PETG, UHMW and many other thermoplastic products.

What makes an AXYZ CNC router so special comes down to the next generation A2MC controller which comes as standard, offering astonishingly smooth and fast results while maintaining smoothness of cut quality. Another major benefit of the A2MC lies in its ability to make the router fully expandable. From multiple heads and auto tool changer options to camera registration systems coupled with various knife heads, AXYZ CNC routers offer flexibility and maximum productivity.

For more information, contact Greg Jenkins, AXYZ International, 5330 South Service Road, Burlington, ON, L7L 5L1, Canada, 800 361 3408/905-634-4940, Fax: 905-634-4966, E-mail: sales@axyz.com, Web: www.axyz.com.

Nested-based CNC Routing

Stiles Machinery Inc. offers a nested-based CNC routing solution that delivers excellent quality at an affordable price. Through a collaborative effort with Weeke Mas – chinenbau, Stiles, Weeke’s exclusive distributor in the United States, offers the Weeke Vantech series of CNC routers incorporating German engineering and performance at an American-made price.

For routing panels, the Vantech delivers maximum flexibility and easy integration with popular CAD/CAM software packages. And by manufacturing in the United States, Stiles can build machines for less without factors such as fluctuating exchange rates and international shipping costs.

Available in 4' x 8', 5' x 10' and 5' x 12' table sizes, all of the models are constructed with an extremely durable foundation to accommodate the CNC router’s high-speed capabilities while ensuring the machine’s longevity. Windows-based programming software is a standard feature for maximum flexibility and easy integration with popular design packages. Other features include Quik-Pod system for added flexibility, dual drive gantry and pneumatic positioning pins.

For more information, contact Amanda Dombeck, Stiles Machinery Inc., 3965 44th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, 704-861-8239, E-mail: adombeck@stilesmachinery.com, Web: www.stilesmachinery.com.

New & Used Equipment for Plastics

When in the market for used or new equipment, Ex- Factory Inc. offers quick and easy access to over 6,000 listings in over 100 categories of used machinery on www.exfactory.com and over 1,200 new machines on www.FactoryNEW.com. Used and new, select from 475 CNC routers, 450 panel saws, hundreds of peripheral equipment such as compressors, dust collectors, electrical components, material handling equipment, fork and scissor lifts and more. For immediate buying opportunities and competitive pricing, frequently visit their live online auction website at www.ExfactoryAuctions.com for exceptional value in a wide range of equipment. With over 20 years in the industry, 25 industry experienced Product Managers, valueadded services and the widest variety of equipment this industry has to offer, Ex- Factory Inc. is the place to go.

For more information, contact Norman Schust, Ex-Factory Inc., 1805 Sardis Road North, Charlotte, NC 28270, 704-841-2001 x445, Fax: 704-841-1200, E-mail: norman.schust@exfactory.com, Web: www.exfactory.com.

Feature-rich Production Router

The rugged and reliable MultiCam® 3000 Series Router is a popular choice for small- to medium-sized manufacturers needing a powerful yet affordable CNC cutting machine. It’s loaded with standard features normally associated with more expensive models. The all-steel, moving-gantry design allows machining of large parts while maintaining a space-saving footprint.

Designed for a wide range of panel processing applications, the 3000 Series is ideal for cutting plastics and composites. This heavy-duty router is a customer favorite for the outstanding edge finish it creates on parts. The automatic tool change (ATC) option gives the user maximum machining flexibility.

This versatile and innovative router includes MultiCam’s EZ Control® operator interface with EZ Suite software, high-speed three-axis motion-control system and more. Table sizes range from 50" x 50" (1270 x 1270 mm) to 80" x 241" (2032 x 6121 mm). The 3000 Series Router provides value and high performance in a CNC cutting platform. It comes with the full support of the MultiCam Technology Center network with over 70 locations worldwide providing local sales, training, service and support.

For more information, contact John Harris, MultiCam LP, 1025 West Royal Lane, DFW Airport, TX 75261, 972-929-4070, Fax: 972-929-4071, E-mail: leads@multicam.com, Web: www.multicam.com.

Retrofit Workholding Vacuum

Forty years of engineering refinement gives Graphic Parts International’s Vacuum Tables the superior tooling capabilities that can eliminate your traditional clamps and custom workholding chucks.

With GPI’s Smart Retrofit™ workholding vacuum tables, your flat part will be held tightly and perfectly in place on your Router or Gantry style CNC machine making mechanical holdown unnecessary. Large or small, you can machine 100% of your part’s exposed surface with uninterrupted passes. By eliminating clamps and special chuck fixtures, you not only free up the machining area but have faster set-up and take-down time. The proprietary Stay-Flat™ technology provides high-tolerance flatness and years of dependable performance. Built to last, GPI’s custom retrofit vacuum tables provide long-term functionality and versatility.

No need to buy new equipment because GPI’s vacuum tables can be engineered to fit any existing machine you have. Any size can be accommodated: up to 8’ wide by 25’ long (3.1 meters wide x 7.6 meters long). We are experts in the retrofit of all brands of machining systems.

For more information, contact Jim Weston, Graphic Parts International, 4321 N. Knox Ave., Chicago, IL 60641, 773-777-7889, Fax: 773-777-0909, E-mail: jweston@awt-gpi.com, Web: www.vacuumtables.com/products.

Heavy-duty CNC Router Series

Hendrick introduces their all-new NXT CNC Router Series, a precisely accurate system offered at an exceptional price. This heavy-duty steel constructed machine provides rigidity and stability utilizing superior quality components such as precision rack & pinion and ball screw systems.

The NXT Series features a 12hp HSD HSK-63F high frequency spindle (3,000 to 24,000 RPM) with an 8-station automatic tool changer and air blast nozzle for tool cooling. Simultaneous AC servomotors and drives provide smooth, powerful, fast and accurate motion.

Heavy-duty structure design and CNC control software yields feed rates up to 2500 in./min. and positioning accuracy of +/- 0.002" with repetitive accuracy of +/- 0.0008 inches. It also features multi-zone (6) vacuum grid table for powerful zoning when cutting small parts and automatic pop up stops for exact locating of boards and/or material.

Hendrick’s NXT CNC Router Series is available in 4' x 8' and 5'x10' sizes.

For more information, Whitney Wiggin, Hendrick Manufacturing Corporation, 32-34 Commercial Street, Salem, MA 01970, 978-741-3600, E-mail: wwiggin@hendrickmanufacturing.com, Web: www.hendrickmanufacturing.com.

Flexible Machining Center

The Routech Record 110 NT is a compact and flexible CNC machining center designed for heavy-duty applications making it ideal for manufacturing plastics. The machine base and mobile gantry are electro-welded and ribbed steel structures that ensure the rigidity and precision of this CNC Router. It is available in 3- or 5-axis with a 12 or 15hp, 24,000rpm electro-spindle. The aluminum vacuum table provides powerful suction to hold small parts and has a multi-purpose surface to fixture various sized components by using vacuum, pneumatics or mechanical devices. These features guarantee high precision and finishing quality for machining all type of plastic materials including acrylic, polycarbonate, PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, acetal, ABS, and other high performance engineering materials.

For more information, contact Gerri Yarbrough, SCM Group North America, 2475 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, GA 30096, 336-235-6707, Fax: 770-813-8819, E-mail: info@scmgroup-usa.com, Web: www.scmplastics.com.

5-axis CNC for Thermoformers

MAAC Machinery, a leader in the manufacturing of thermoforming machinery, also produces a line of 5-axis CNC routers to the thermoforming industry, labeled Royce Routers.

This router is designed specifically for the maximum production of trimming thermoformed parts with a focus on higher speeds allowing thermoformers to match the output of rotary thermoforming machines. This allows processors to not only speed secondary processes, but eliminates the need for multiple “slower” trimming machines typically required to provide an equivalent output. The router is equipped with two 5' x 5' tables that can be used independently or in tandem to accommodate a 10' x 5' working area. The Royce line is equipped with top of the line Fagor controls, 10hp (2400RPM) spindle(s), and is available in both 36" and 48" z-strokes.

Royce Routers are designed, manufactured, sold and serviced by MAAC Machinery. This addition to the MAAC line up allows them to now provide complete processing cells; from forming equipment and molds, to trimming equipment and trim fixtures. With the ability to provide everything from a single source, they can greatly reduce project timing, pre-set all processing parameters, greatly reduce learning curves, and assure complete cell integration.

MAAC Machinery Corporation is the world’s largest thermoforming machinery manufacturer solely dedicated to building cut sheet equipment.

For more information, contact Michael Alongi, MAAC Machinery Corporation, 590 Tower Boulevard, Carol Stream, IL 60188, 630-665-1700, Fax: 630-665-7799, E-mail: sales@maacmachinery.com, Web: www.maacmachinery.com.

Routers for Sheet Work

Haas Automation offers two types of gantry router to handle the varying needs of modern fabrication shops, whether it’s high-speed sheet work, or milling aluminum extrusions for P.O.P. displays.

For shops doing primarily sheet work in lighter materials, the Haas SR-100 Sheet Router is an affordable solution that provides expansive capacity in a lighter-weight, gantrystyle, 3-axis CNC machine with 100" x 52" x 8" (xyz) travels. It easily accommodates 4' x 8' sheets of material and accepts ISO standard Gcode programming through the user-friendly, full-function Haas CNC control.

The machine comes equipped with a 24,000rpm, 5hp (continuous) 30-taper spindle for cutting and drilling various plastics, sheet metals and other light materials. An optional 10-pocket automatic tool changer is available for unattended operation. A 1" thick MDF table is standard.

For shops wanting additional machining capability, the Haas GR Series gantry routers offer more power for machining large aluminum plates, extrusions, and full-size sheets of material, yet they are fully capable of cutting complex patterns and three-dimensional surfaces, such as foundry patterns and wood carvings.

The GR Series gantry-style routers have a powerful 40- taper milling head, and are available in two sizes: with 121" x 61" x 11" travels for the GR-510, and 145" x 85" x 11" travels for the GR-712. Each GR has a 10,000rpm, 15hp vector drive spindle that provides the power to cut aluminum and other metals, and the speed to cut various plastics and other light materials. The machines are equipped with a 10-station automatic tool changer, and a 1" thick aluminum table is standard.

For more information, contact Scott Rathburn, Haas Automation, Inc., 2800 Sturgis Road, Oxnard, CA 93030, 800-331-6746/805-988-6922, Fax: 805-968-6918, E-mail: srathburn@haascnc.com, Web: www.haascnc.com.

Extreme Duty CNC Router

When a high quality edge and surface finish are required in a machined plastic part, the rigidity and precision of a machine tool become paramount. The Onsrud Extreme Duty Series CNC Router is truly our “No-Compromises” model. We start with one of the largest standard machine frames offered anywhere in our marketplace today. The bridge & vertical columns are mated to our one-piece, self-supportive, heat-treated, stress-relieved and normalized, internally-reinforced, thick-walled, engineered steel base for unrivaled weight, mass, rigidity, durability, feeds and speeds. We then use only the highest-end, top-shelf, nonproprietary and readily available components in the world today to offer you the most technologically advanced Onsrud machine ever.

For more information, contact Alyson Onsrud, C.R. Onsrud Inc., P.O. Box 419, Troutman, NC 28166, 800-638-8185/704-528-4528, Fax: 704-528-6170, E-mail: sales@cronsrud.com, Web: www.cronsrud.com.

Multi-purpose Routers

Diversified Machine Systems, a U.S. manufacturer of 3- and 5-axis CNC routers and machining centers, introduces their latest model - the DMS D5E. The D5E is a 5-axis enclosed, dual shuttle table router with overhead gantry that was developed in 2011 for a well-known aerospace company. This innovative machine is equipped with two tables that can be used independently or in tandem for maximum production. The dual table layout allows users to maximize their workspace while still maintaining an efficient footprint.

From high-speed trimming of 3D plastic products to machining of plastic sheets, their multi-purpose routers can accommodate a wide range of requirements. Laser calibrated for accuracy and precision, their advanced machines can increase efficiency and productivity and ultimately improve your bottom line. DMS supplies machines to a wide variety of manufacturing sectors in addition to aerospace, including automotive, marine, recreational vehicles, electronics, 3D sculpture, concept modeling, pattern making, formed plastics and woodworking.

All engineering, structural fabrication and machine assembly takes place at their state-of-the-art facility in Colorado. A total solutions provider, they also offer complete installation, technical support and training services.

Visit them at NPE2012, April 2-5 in Orlando, Florida, Booth #8662 to see a live demonstration of their new D5E machine.

For more information, contact Ed Hilligrass, Diversified Machine Systems, Inc., 2310 Executive Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, 719-226-5066, Fax: 719-226-9810, E-mail: info@dmscncrouters.com, Web: www.dmscncrouters.com.

Precision Cutting System

Techno, Inc. CNC Routers introduces the new HD Series CNC Router, a new precision cutting system offered at industry shattering prices. Developed by a team of engineers using global state-ofthe- art manufacturing techniques, this all steel constructed machine utilizes superior quality components such as precision THK rails and bearings, precision rack-n-pinion drives on the X- and Yaxis, and a ballscrew driven Z-axis.

The router also features brushless micro-stepper motors and controls, a 4hp HSD high-frequency spindle, (6) zone adjustable vacuum table, and 10hp rotary vane vacuum pump.

For more information, contact Roy Valentine, Techno, Inc., 2101 Jericho Turnpike, Box 5416, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, 516-328-3970, Fax: 516-358-2576, E-mail: cncinfo@technocnc.com, Web: www.technocnc.com.

Complete CNC Packages

Computer Driven Machinery (CDM) router and laser packages, as well as panel saw sales and service, are complete with everything needed for a smooth transition into the second decade of the 21st century. Affordable, well-constructed equipment coupled with user-friendly software and controls in addition to offsite programming service, tooling, dust/chip collection, spare parts and more make for the perfect business relationship. With coast-to-coast service and support we can help you deliver quality, accuracy and value to your customers. Become a partner with CDM and enjoy a higher level of service and support.

For more information, contact Cahir McCoole, CDM Industries, P.O. Box 883, Marblehead, MA 01945, 781-608-4400, E-mail: cdmindustries@aol.com, Web: www.cdm-industries.com.

Super Micro Flute Polishing

Vortex Tool Company, Inc. recently introduced a new proprietary process of polishing the flutes of their router bits used in the plastics industry. The process imparts an extremely high finish quality on the surface of the cutting face and flute area of the bit. For the user, this means better cut quality, longer tool life and less chance for chip re-welding or sticking to the tool itself. This new process is now used on all Vortex Tool’s plastic cutting router bits.

Vortex Tool Company, Inc., designs and manufactures a wide variety of standard and custom high-performance router and insert cutting tools for the woodworking and plastics industries, and provides retipping and sharpening services.

For more information, contact Mike Serwa, Vortex Tool Company, 5605 Jelinek Avenue, Schofield, WI 54476, 800-355-7708, Fax: 715-355-7353, E-mail: mikes@vortextool.com, Web: www.vortextool.com.

New Router Bit Line

FTM is now “The Fabricators Source™” for Whiteside router bits. FTM is a stocking distributor of Whiteside Machine Company's complete line of high quality router bits for plastics. Made from solid alloy steel, the bits are precision ground for proper balance at high rpms. Whiteside uses the highest quality American Made micrograin carbide. High hook and relief angles make for better chip ejection. The tooling is made with thick carbide for extra sharpenings and longer tool life.

For more information, contact David Geer, FTM, Inc., 327 Industrial Drive, Unit 1, Placerville, CA 95667, 530-626-1986, Fax: 530-642-2602, E-mail: info@123ftm.com, Web: www.123ftm.com.

Single Flute Spiral Balanced at 60,000 RPM

LMT Onsrud LP, a leading manufacturer of solid carbide cutting tools, introduces balanced single flute spiral cutting tools to run at RPMs as high as 60,000.

Manufacturers that specialize in marketing CNC routers for the sign industry have incorporated high-speed spindles into their design. Most of these spindles turn up to 60,000 RPM compared to standard router spindle speeds of 24,000 RPM. The advantages of high spindle speeds is an increase in feed rates in plastic, aluminum and wood sheet material, which are commonly utilized in the sign industry.

Multiple flute tools are naturally balanced by design, but in some cases, single flute spiral tools are not. Single flute spiral tools are naturally unbalanced due to the location and amount of the carbide that is removed during the grinding process. LMT Onsrud has developed a method to balance single flute spiral tools by engineering design and a specialized manufacturing process. The offering is part of LMT Onsrud’s standard product line of upcut and downcut spiral ‘O’ flutes for soft plastics, hard plastics and acrylics.

For more information, contact Jennifer Neubauer, LMT Onsrud LP, 1081 S. Northpoint Blvd., Waukegan, IL 60085, 847-932-0269, Fax: 800-557-6720, E-mail: jneubauer@onsrud.com, Web: www.onsrud.com.

Mills, Bits & Diamond Edge Polishing

Euracryl tooling is by far the most versatile in the industry. The end mills, router bits and diamond edge polishing cutters are of the highest quality and compliments the repair and sharpening service made by the original manufacturers of the tooling.

Be awed by Euracryl’s performance end mills, from Carbide to mono-crystalline diamond bits, from bottom, edge and radius to V finish with Victory on all types of Plastic/Acrylic sheets.

No words can ever explain the brilliance of the finish you must see it first hand in order to enjoy the benefits that it will bring you.

For more information, contact Victor Miranda, AWED Corp., 1175 Buford Highway, Suite 101, Suwanee, GA 30024, 770-831-9800, Fax: 770-831-7404, E-mail: awedmachine@aol.com, Web: www.awedmachine.com or www.euracryl.com.

Solid Carbide � �O� Flutes

Amana Tool, manufacturers of industrial-quality carbide tipped, solid carbide and replacement carbide cutting tools, announced its solid carbide spiral “O” flute router bits with mirror finish for producing clean, smooth cuts in plastic materials. The bits are made according to strict tolerances from an exclusive carbide grade and polished to a mirror finish using Amana’s unique process. The popular line of router bits, designed to eject chips either up or down, is ideal for industrial applications and CNC systems. The router bits are designed for use in acrylic materials, nylon, ABS, PE, acetal, PET, HDPE, UHMW, polycarbonates, polypropylene, wood and solid surface. Available in diameters ranging from 1/8" to 1/4", the bits are designed with either a right-hand helix (1/4" plastic #51404), which is designed to eject the chips upward, or a left-hand helix (1/4" plastic #51504) designed to eject the chips downward.

For more information, contact Frank Misiti, Amana Tool, 120 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale, NY 11735, 800-445-0077/631-752-1300, Fax: 631-752-1674, E-mail: frankm@amanatool.com, Web: www.amanatool.com.