SPE Wrap-Up

The SPE Thermoforming Conference, held September 18-21, 2005 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, showcased over 100 exhibitors who presented a wide range of products for both cut-sheet and roll-fed thermoformers. This year the conference joined forces with their international division and hosted attendees from around the world. Following are a few of the highlights from exhibitors who offered new products for the cut-sheet thermoforming industry.

5-Axis CNC Line

MAAC Machinery and Stopol have introduced a new line of 5-axis CNC routers for the thermoforming industry. Their new Royce Router offers faster feeds and speeds, high quality and reliable components. The router combines the latest technology and speed to improve cycle times up to 400%.

Through a joint partnership between MAAC and Stopol, the Royce Router line has been created to meet the demanding needs of today’s heavy gauge thermoformers. The router is designed specifically for the maximum production of thermoformed parts. Mass production of a single model will deliver the maximum value at the most cost-effective price. Current 5-axis users will also be able to trade in their old equipment for newer equipment at better rates all through one source. When the new twin table plug-and-play Royce is delivered, MAAC will pick up your trade-in with the same truck. Get more value by saving all capital gains tax and insuring no production interruptions.

Clients can also contract planned multiple machine replacement programs. Royce Router LLC will offer full service and parts availability from stock.

New Features

MAAC has also recently implemented several new features into its line of thermoforming machinery. The entire MAAC line has been revamped with new designs and features. All machines have larger mainframes and platen structures. Platen and index speeds are almost double those of previous models. New programming developments have upgraded the System 9000 control system to provide massive amounts of control. Each function of the machine can be set and saved into the controller. This allows every machine parameter to be activated with the push of a button for precise repeatability and the quickest setups. From programmable platen positioning, automatic lance or bayonet adjustments and complete computer control of all vacuum and air valve settings, the new control system offers maximum flexibility.

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

Router Trimming Solution

Robotic Production Technology (RPT) introduced the RPT RoboTrim RT-1000 router trimming solution, designed specifically for thermoformers.

“In many cases, this flexible and safe system provides 50 percent higher throughput than the traditional fiveaxis CNC trimming machines,” said Paul Schuch, Robotic Production Technology routing Sales Manager. “In addition, the Accuracy Enhancement software tools available with this system allow for quick changeovers between parts, resulting in more runtime.”

The machine is designed to use one or two FANUC M- 16iB robots and an aux-axis servo-controlled 10’ rotating table. RPT developed application-specific software tools – RPT RouterWare – that make the system easy to use. The system comes equipped with the FANUC Robotics iPendant and features a three-second index of the 10’ diameter rotating table with a 1,000 pound fixture and part capacity on each side. Its single base construction makes it easy to install and move within a manufacturing facility.

Options include addition of a second robot, increased part height and automatic tool change. The system can also be used for deflashing by adding the patent-pending RPT Compliant Knife. Manufacturers can also add the RPT RouterVAC high volume vacuum system for part hold down and chip removal and RPT TrimPro offline programming software.

For additional information, contact Chuck Russo, Robotic Production Technologies, 1255 Harmon Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, 248-829-2800, Fax: 248-829- 2750, E-mail: solutions@rpt.net, Web: www.rpt.net.

Enclosed Gantry Router

Diversified Machine Systems, (DMS), introduced a new 5–axis enclosed gantry to the industry. The D5 has been engineered with accuracy, speed and safety in mind. The router features precision machined mounting for the ball screws and ways, machined aluminum plate with threaded inserts for fixture hold down, precision planetary gearboxes on the rotary axes providing a rigid and highly accurate arrangement, 7 hp double ended spindle with variable speed from 2,000 to 18,000 rpm, Fagor 8055 controller with a color monitor, DNC, part program memory, tele-diagnostic, TCP pitch axis tool length compensation.

Options include an automatic tool change spindle with a tool rack, pneumatic right angle spindle mounted to the tool plate, automatic vacuum valve control, remote teach pendent programmer, automatic tool height sensor, continuous C axis rotation and TCP/IP network connection with 1 GB memory card.

DMS manufactures a broad line of 3- and 5-axis router styles ranging from moving table, moving gantry to fully enclosed systems with a large variety of working areas.

For additional information, contact Dennis Brazelton, Premier Tech Products, Inc. at 330-923-3125 or Jeff Stein, Creative Machine Technology, Inc. at 330-923-2154, E-mail: dennybrazelton@sbcglobal.net or creativetechsys @sbcglobal.net, Website: www.5axiscncrouter.com.

5-Axis CNC Router

Thermwood debuted their Model 90, an all new 5-axis CNC router. It targets high speed trimming of threedimensional parts. Cycle times for the Model 90 are dramatically faster, on some parts twice as fast with its advanced drive, lighter, stiffer structure and Impact Resistant Head. The new patented Impact Resistant Head is lighter, stiffer and yet reduces or eliminates the need to realign the head after an accidental crash, something that is common during programming and setup.

The Model 90 has a larger envelope that allows full horizontal table coverage side to side and front to back. Mechanical structures were designed using finite element analysis, a sophisticated CAD technology that scrutinizes strength, stiffness, deformation and dynamics of the machine structure. This is used to increase its strength, stiffness and ultimately performance. All weldments are stress relieved to further increase strength, stiffness and provide long term stability and each machine is laser calibrated to assure accuracy.

For additional information, contact Cliff Crawford, Thermwood Corporation, P.O. Box 436, Dale, IN 47523, 800-533- 6901/812-937-4476, Fax: 812-937-2956, E-mail: sales@thermwood.com, Web: www. thermwood.com.

3- and 5-Axis CNC Routers

Quintax CNC Routers, a division of Ferry Industries Inc., offers a full line of precision industrial 3- and 5- axis CNC routers for machining plastics, composites, nonferrous metals and wood.

Quintax CNC Routers are ideal for complex machining and repetitive secondary operations. The design components and construction provide a very rigid machine capable of accuracy with high accel/decal rates. Numerous combinations of tables and sizes, optional spindles, toolchangers and integrated controls offer customers the ability to specify the router they need. Optional equipment includes vacuum systems, automatic loading, dust/chip collection and tooling. Turnkey systems including machine, holding fixtures, CAD/CAM software and training are available from Quintax.

For additional information, contact Eric Kenney, Quintax CNC Routers, 4445 Allen Rd., Stow, OH 44224, 330- 920-4010, Fax: 330-920-4200, E-mail: quintaxsales@ quintax.com, Web: www.quintax.com.

High Performance Forming Materials

ENSINGER/PennFibre showcased their new series of high performance materials for thermoforming applications. The additions begin with Pennite 4512, a thermoformable Type 6 nylon with 12% glass reinforcement. Pennite 4512 is an advanced version of earlier forming nylons with extended mechanical, elastic and thermal properties. Also in the nylon family will be the introduction of Pennite 4515FR, a flame retardant grade with a UL94- V0 rating.

A family of engineered PBT materials is also being offered. Formulations with FDA approval include neat and 15% glass reinforced grades. There are also several formulations being released with UL94-V0 ratings that include neat and glass reinforcement at 15 and 30% levels. These materials offer exceptional mechanical and thermal properties for a wide range of industrial and transportation applications.

In the Ultra High Performance Materials, ENSINGER/ PennFibre announced limited availability of Tecamax® SRP. The material is inherently flameproof, exceptionally chemical- resistant and has tensile and flexural modulus ratings of over 1.2 million psi, making it the strongest unreinforced polymer commercially available. Tecamax SRP is designed for the most demanding high performance applications.

ENSINGER/PennFibre’s line of High Performance Forming Materials are available in sheets and rolls in thicknesses from 0.010” to 0.250”. Custom and standard widths up to 50” are available.

For additional information, contact David Pincin, Ensinger/ PennFibre Plastics Inc., 2434 Bristol Road, Bensalem, PA 19020, 800-662-7366/215-702-9551, Fax: 215-702-9552, E-mail: penninfo@pennfibre.com, Web: www.pennfibre.com.