Thermoforming Spotlight

Enclosed, Dual Shuttle Table Router

Diversified Machine Systems, a leading designer and manufacturer of 3- and 5-axis CNC machining centers, is proud to announce the debut of their latest CNC machining innovation. The D5E is a 5-axis, enclosed, dual shuttle table router with overhead gantry that was developed in 2012 for a well-known aerospace company. This innovative machine is equipped with two tables that can be used independently or in tandem for maximum operating production. The twin table configuration allows users to maximize their workspace while still maintaining an efficient footprint, giving them the best of both worlds.

From high-speed trimming, cutting and shaping of composites to machining of plastic sheets, this multi-purpose router can accommodate a wide range of requirements. Laser calibrated for accuracy and precision, their line of advanced machines can increase efficiency and productivity, thus improving your bottom line. DMS supplies machines to a wide variety of manufacturing sectors, including automotive, aerospace, marine, composites, electronics, 3D sculpture, concept modelling, pattern making, plastics and woodworking.

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

For more information, contact Ed Hilligrass, Diversified Machine Systems, 719-226-5066, E-mail: ehilligrass@dmscncrouters.com, Web: www.dmscncrouters.com or www.freedomcnc.com.

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 rewelding 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 re-tipping 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: mike@vortextool.com, Web: www.vortextool.com.

MAAC Machinery, a market leader in the manufacturing of sheet-fed thermoforming machines is releasing several new features and options to their MAAC and Comet thermoforming machine lines. New quartz oven technology is providing for faster cycle times and up to 50% energy savings when compared to prior technology. More advanced control systems now allow control of all machine parameters for quick set ups and precision repeatability. New quick change utility packages, quick mold change systems, and several advancements in specialty clamping systems are further allowing for faster set ups, more machine time, and the ability to produce products more efficiently and more cost effectively.

MAAC has also released new equipment offerings for the growing composite and foam based material markets. In particular, markets such as automotive, aerospace, medical and anything where weight reduction, sound absorption, and higher strength are becoming a demand. These machines are geared toward higher-pressure applications utilizing matched mold processing and sometimes using multiple layers of different materials. This new line up of machines is geared with faster platens and indexing, highly sophisticated infrared heating ovens, and automation that will allow decorative coverings to be added.

For more information, contact Michael P. Alongi, MAAC Machinery Corporation, 590 Tower Boulevard, Carol Stream, IL 60188, 800-588-MAAC/630-665-1700, Fax: 630-665-7799, E-mail: sales@maacmachinery.com, Web: www.maacmachinery.com.

Thermwood Corporation introduces the Model 90, 5-Axis CNC Router that brings high performance and reliability to a new level. This new high performance CNC router is built in the USA, at Thermwood’s Southern Indiana factory, utilizing an innovative new, highly efficient manufacturing approach that results in a superior structure coupled with enhanced use of materials.

The M90 features multiple table sizes ranging from a single 60 x 60 inch moving table to 72 x 144 inch dual tables for maximum production, continuous Caxis, our Patented Impact Resistant Head which eliminates the need to re-align the head after a crash and much more. The M90 offers high acceleration/high performance motions in both positioning and cutting. This high performance solution also includes Thermwood’s powerful QCore Super Control and superior features like fully stress relieved weldments, high-end Siemens drives throughout, THK rails, three-dimensional volumetric position compensation and many other quality features seldom, if ever, found at this price point. The M90 is a robust, highly flexible production system capable of operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thermwood is a U.S. company with distributors worldwide and provides extensive and complete support, installation, training and ongoing service.

For additional information, contact Jason Susnjara, Thermwood Corporation, 904 Dale-Buffaloville Rd., Dale, IN 47523, 800-533-6901/812-937-4476, Fax: 812-937-2956, E-mail: sales@thermwood.com, Web: www.thermwood.com.

Global CNC cutting system manufacturer MultiCam® Inc. unveils their versatile 8000 Series Five-Axis Router as the ultimate high-performance CNC machining solution. This new line is the choice for high-speed, heavy-duty routing in the woodworking, plastics, non-ferrous metals and composites industries.

“Five-axis CNC machining opens up a world of new capabilities for MultiCam,” said Director of Sales and Marketing, John Harris. “Applications include edge trimming of molded wood, plastic and composite parts, deep-cavity mold making and machining of spiral staircase components.”

In addition to the standard X-, Y- and Z-axes, the end of the Z-axis features a 440-degree rotational axis and a 150- degree swing axis. Visualize a hemispherical work envelope (the lower half of a basketball) on the end of the Zaxis. MultiCam can put the tool at any point on this surface under full CNC program control.

The operator may program all five axes to move simultaneously. Or program the fourth and fifth axes separately or locked in the vertical position to run the 8000 Series as a standard three-axis machine. Using all five axes of movement isn’t always necessary. Five-axis machines are extremely flexible with the ability to expand a shop’s capabilities for future business.

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.

Premier Material Concepts (PMC) announced that its new PLC (Programmable Logic Controlled) single station thermoformer, with ten pre-programmed forming techniques and HMI (Human Machine Interface), is now operational. PMC partnered with equipment manufacturer MAAC to build this machine to meet a need for product development and quality control.

The new thermoformer, a significant capital investment, allows PMC to conduct quality performance testing on their sheet products as part of NPO (New Product Outline) requirements, as well as offer in-process rapid prototyping services for the benefit of thermoformers.

The thermoforming machine is equipped with an adjustable clamp frame and large oven accommodating sheets up to 4 ft by 5 ft (48” x 60”). The oven contains 40 individually controlled zones; with custom heat, cooling, platen delay/return and air eject settings, the user is able to have better product control and forming versatility. Motorized platens ensure fluid, consistent movement and positioned feedback, while quartz element heat ensures excellent energy efficiency, quicker heating time and retention.

Additionally, PMC’s new thermoformer is specially engineered with a laser sag eye “recording” feature that tracks the amount of sheet sag in relation to time on each thermoforming run. This plotted data saved over time within the machine’s system allows PMC to chart and compare the performance of different materials and build consistency from run to run.

A2A>For more information, contact Jessica Heldman-Beck, PMC, 877-289-7626/419-425-8974, E-mail: info@buypmc.com, Web: buypmc.com.