AWFS® New Products

AWFS®Vegas, held in Las Vegas Nevada July 27-30, 2005, hosted buyers from the entire U.S. and 53 countries. Nearly 20,000 attendees browsed 898 exhibits featuring a wide array of new products. Following is an overview of some of the new products we found that are well suited for the needs of plastic distributors and fabricators. Also see New Products beginning on page 24 and Literature Review beginning on page 36 for more new machinery and tooling to help your business be more productive and more profitable.

Compact Panel Saw

A redesigned vertical panel saw now available from Colonial Saw offers improved precision and convenience over previous models. The Swiss-made Striebig COMPACT is the only saw of its kind to feature standard aluminum fingers that can be moved individually along the horizontal T-slotted center shelf bar to customize the saw. For greater comfort when sawing small panels, the workpiece support is provided along the full length of the saw. Other user-friendly improvements include a shifting grid that moves upward so that it can’t be jammed or damaged by off-cuts leaning against the frame, a 24” repetitive rip device with a roller follower and a measuring stop that flips out of the way.

The new COMPACT is a freestanding, rigid unit that can handle sheets up to 5’ x 10’. It cuts perfect, repeatable edges on particleboard, acrylic, composite, plastic and non-ferrous- metal panels. There is additional dust extraction, and a new plunge-handle “telescopes” to facilitate the ripping of tall panels. Other performance-enhancing features include heavy-duty support rollers and adjustable cutting depth.

Improved digital measuring systems provide increased accuracy and convenience. The X-axis system permits fine adjustment for accuracy to 1/10 mm and has a long-life battery. The Y-axis system allows toggle-switch referencing from the saw’s rollers or center shelf. Other options include a scoring saw unit, grooving accessories and an angle-cutting unit. All components are UL/CSA approved.

For additional information, contact David Bull, Colonial Saw, Inc., 122 Pembroke Street, P.O. Box A, Kingston, MA 02364, 781-585-4364, Fax: 781-585-9375, E-mail: info@csaw.com, Web: www.csaw.com.

Router Line

Hendrick/RWH Industries, Inc. manufactures a full line of high speed 5-axis CNC routing/trimming machines. Both moving table and moving gantry styles are available. Options include single- or dual-tables with vacuum or Tslot clamping and automatic tool changing. Windows based PC controller with full 5-axis simultaneous control, network and remote diagnostics capability with 5-axis program teaching pendant are standard features.

A new heavy structure design and improved CNC control software gives the Hendrick 20ZXG CNC 3- axis router high speed and accurate machining capabilities. Feed rates up to 2,500 inches per minute and positioning accuracy of +/- 0.002 inches with repetitive accuracy of +/- 0.008 inches are obtained. The moving gantry design utilizes AC servo drives, linear ways and ball screws on all axes for smooth and accurate movement. Up to 15 hp, high frequency router spindles with automatic tool changing capability are available. Other features include a PC controller with built in CAD/CAM software, a vacuum table machined for zoning and pod fixturing, a low vacuum pressure safety cut off and air blast tool cooling. The machine is available in many different table sizes.

Saws for Cutting Plastics

Hendrick’s economical rail-type saws are available in models that range from 54” to 150” length of cut, manual or automatic operation, standard 6” depth of cut and a host of options for special applications.

Their computerized panel cutting line includes the PRO-V, PRO-H, PRO-AM, Legacy and Patriot-SRP models which offer solutions from entry-level through continuous, high production, full plant automation. Space saving vertical sawing and automatic loading/off loading machines are available. Each model is designed to cut virtually all plastic material including phenolics, glass-epoxies, mechanicals, rod, tubing, etc., from large to very small parts.

For additional information, contact Dan Wiggin, Hendrick/ RWH Industries, Inc., 32 Commercial Street, Salem, MA 01970, 978-741-3600, Fax: 978-744-0242, E-mail: info@hendrickmfg.net, Web: www.hendrickmfg.net.

Thread Inserts For Plastic

E-Z LOK offers an expanded line of diamond knurled thread inserts which included internal thread sizes from 0-80 to 3/8-16 and from M3 to M6.

Available in both brass and stainless steel, the inserts can be “cold” installed which significantly reduces molding costs by multiplying shots-per-hour. Plus, reject-waste caused by misaligned and faulty inserts is minimized and the need to “chase” threads is eliminated

In addition to providing clean threads, the inserts also furnish screw-locking action unattainable in molded- in inserts. A flanged version of the insert is available for terminal strips and like applications in electronic assemblies. Free samples are available on request.

For additional information, contact Steve Schaeper, E-Z LOK, 240 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Gardena, CA 90248, 800-234-5613/310-323-5613, Fax: 310-353-4444, E-mail: sschaeper@ezlok.com, Web: www.ezlok.com.

Ionix Technologies Inc. announced the release of its newest model Ionix for the plastic fabrication market. Now cleanup is fast and easy with Ionix’s new patented static elimination technology.

The new PL300 operates by making air, which is normally an electrical insulator, an electrical conductor. Therefore, when Ionix is installed in an air blow off line, the Ionix-treated air acts as an electrical grounding path conducting the charges away or to each other.

The PL300 represents the most economical method for fabricators to blow off debris from plastic. It is especially useful for thermoformers and fabricators cutting, drilling or routing plastic. It saves labor for cleanup and leaves no residue which could affect finishing. Ionix contains no nuclear or hazardous materials. When the cartridge is exhausted, it can be disposed of in normal recycled waste.

For additional information, contact Dirk Smith, Ionix Technologies Inc., P.O. Box 3487, Boca Raton, FL 33427, 800-246-1784/561-241-1147, Fax: 561-241-3116, E-mail: info@ionixtechnologies.com, Web: www.ionixtechnologies.com.

Systems Komo Machine, Inc., designers and builders of precision CNC routers, introduced two Material Handling Systems, one for the Solution Traveling Gantry CNC machine and another for the Mach Series of machine.

Komo’s line ranges from material handling tables to a full blown automatic panel loading system.

The Solution now can be equipped with an automated part removal system to unload your machine faster and clean the table in one process to allow for more machining time. It is ideal for the small to medium sized shops.

The fully Automatic Panel Loading System is designed to be coupled with the Komo Mach Series of machines and will load, clean the router table and unload your parts in one continuous cycle that is under 25 seconds.

Constructed in a modular fashion, the system is designed to be expanded for multiple bunk storage so you can run a variety of programs and materials. This system will also increase operator safety and productivity by keeping them out of the machining envelope and allowing them to sort and remove parts while the machine is cutting the next nest.

Software

Komo also introduced the next version of its CAD/CAM software, Router-CIM 2006 which is fully compatible with AutoCAD® 2006.

Stay Down Nesting has been introduced in the new software. The true shape nesting engine has been enhanced with new technology. Tool stay down “bridges” shapes together to create a continuous tool path. The result is considerably faster cycle times for many materials. This feature eliminates the excess movement of lifting the head to move to the next coordinate and eliminates the need for excess lead-ins; extending tool life and increasing productivity.

Following the same lines is the common line nesting option. With this technology, the program can align rectangular parts and create common line tool path to separate the parts. Instead of cutting around each rectangle, two common edges are cut with a single path. This greatly reduces cycle times on rectangular parts.

Also, verify your program with the Tool Path Verification option. This allows you to test your NC Code graphically to insure that the program is exactly as you want it.

For additional information, contact Jeff Erickson, Komo Machine, Inc., 11 Industrial Blvd., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379, 800-252-0580/320-252-9887, Fax: 320-656-2471, E-mail: jerickson@komo.com, Web: www.komo.com.

Routing Technologies

C.R. Onsrud Inc. showcased routing technologies vital to plastics machining at the recent AWFS® Fair including the highly acclaimed C.R. Onsrud Dual Process Five Axis CNC Router. This machine features twin tables, twin five-axis spindles and, with C.R. Onsrud Dual-process Technology, it has the ability to run two completely different five-axis trimming or mouldmaking jobs simultaneously.

The Inverted Router has become standard equipment in acrylics fabrication shops, and C.R. Onsrud demonstrated the entire three-machine range.

Their website features video demos, machine specifications, 24 hour parts and service and user testimonials.

For additional information, contact Tom Flowers, John Akin or Andy Turner, C.R. Onsrud, Inc., P.O. Box 419, Highway 21 South, Troutman, NC 28166, 800- 638-8185/ 704-528-4528, Fax: 704-528-6170, E-mail: cronsrud@aol.com, Web: www.cronsrud.com.

Composite Drilling

With the continued demand for cutting tools to effectively machine composites, Onsrud Cutter LP has introduced a line of solid carbide 8 facet drills, which consist of 4 cutting edges with 2 facets per cutting edge. Designing these drills in such a fashion reduces cutting forces and eliminates delamination when exiting the material. Like the high-speed steel drills, they are also available in fractional, letter, number and metric sizes.

What is an 8 facet drill? An 8 facet drill consists of 4 cutting edges with 2 facets per cutting edge. These facets consist of the lip relief and the lip clearance angle.

Plastic Drilling

Several years ago, Onsrud Cutter LP introduced their first offering of HSS drills to accommodate the needs of plastic fabricators. These drills were designed with geometry specific to plastic drilling and have become extremely popular. The line has now been expanded to include a wide variety of fractional, wire, letter and metric sizes.

With these drills, there is no wrapping, no interrupted operation, no surface marring, cleaner holes and no cleaning or melting.

For additional information, contact Marybeth Thomas, Onsrud Cutter, 800 Liberty Drive, Libertyville, IL 60048, 800-234-156/847-362-1560, Fax: 847-362-5028, Web: www.onsrud.com.

Vertical Panel Saws

Safety Speed Cut manufactures a complete range of vertical panel saws for processing a wide variety of panelized materials such as plastic, metal, wood and composites. Their Model ES52 is well suited for those demanding high volume production environments with tight tolerance requirements. The 7400 Series is perfect for medium to high volume applications where accuracy is a must.

The 6000 Series is ideal for medium volume production situations and their H-Series combines key features from their whole product line at an opening price point.

With nearly 50 years of experience since first developing their vertical sawing concept, Safety Speed Cut consistently delivers accurate, well built panel sizing equipment that will improve the efficiency and safety of your business.

For additional information, contact Brian Donahue, Safety Speed Cut, 13943 Lincoln Street N.E., Ham Lake, MN 55304, 800-772-2327/763-755-1600, Fax: 763-755-6080, Web: www.panelsaw.com.

With a simple flick of the foot control, the Her- Saf Air-Vac-Clamp securely holds plastics, metals and nonporous woods from all lateral movement. The Air-Vac- Clamp can easily and quickly secure a large or small workpiece while allowing full access to that workpiece. The Air-Vac-Clamp secures and releases the workpiece without leaving a mark.

Safranek Enterprises, Inc. products include easy-to-use panel routers, Air-Vac-Clamps, dentil molding machines, keyholing machines, carbide insert tooling and a shelf dapper. Each is designed to increase accuracy and precision while reducing production time.

For additional information, contact Linda Wyant, Safranek Enterprises Inc., 4005 El Camino Real, Atascadero CA 93422, 800-553-9344, Fax: 805-466-1947, E-mail: sales@hersaf.com, Web: www.hersaf.com.

Panel Saws

Schelling America, Inc. offers the FLH panel saws which feature: a saw blade projection of 145 mm (5 3/4”); a book/cutting height of 128mm (5”); integration of Siemens/Fujitsu PC with 17” monitor for optimized ease of operation; 3 sided wire mesh safety enclosure augmented by a front protection curtain with safety bar and a quick-action foot pedal for maximized operator safety. Available in both manual and automatic loading configurations, the FLH is offered in 3 footprint sizes (FLH 330-10’, FLH 430-12’, FLH 580-16’).

As with all Schelling panel saws, the FLH can be customized to meet your individual cutting needs.

For additional information, contact Andreas Schwarz, Schelling America, Inc., P.O. Box 80367, Raleigh, NC 27623, 919-544-0430, Fax: 919-544-0920, E-mail: aschwarz@schelling.com, Web: www.schelling.com.

12 Foot Panel Saw

Designed with plastic distributors and fabricators in mind, the Sigma Impact 105 PLM panel saw from SCM Group provides superior cutting quality while reducing material waste and improving yield at an affordable price.

Some of the added value features of the Sigma Impact 105 include a 3.6” cutting capability, high speed carriage movement with optimized operation for fast cycle times; a worktable designed to cut thin materials; powerful 18 hp independent main motor; main blade cooling; massbalancing of the saw carriage to ensure even wear and a perfect edge finish; triple dust conveying system and a pusher with clamps for quick, accurate loading and cutting.

Equipped with a high quality, Windows XP based Dell PC including CUTTY SHEET optimization software, this saw guarantees repeatability and easy operator interface. The SIGMA also includes a modem connection available for on-line technical support. The Sigma 105 PLM is available in either 10.5”, 12.5” or 14.5” configurations.

Nested Base CNC Router

SCM Group also offers a full line of CNC routers which includes the Pratix 48 NST CNC Nested Base CNC Router for plastics. The router brings total plastic processing power to an entry-level machine without making compromises. It features a 4’ x 8’ work area, 9 spindle drilling head, 10hp HSK F63 router and eight-position tool changer. The router has a user-friendly interface operated by a Windows XP platform and a standard office PC and is supplied with CAD/CAM software. It includes the industry’s best vacuum table, ideal for quick changeover and hard-to-hold parts.

For additional information, contact Phil Bryant, SCM Group USA Inc., 2475 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, GA 30096, 770-813-8818, Fax: 770-813-8819, E-mail: info@ scmgroup-usa.com, Web: www.scmplastics.com.

ShopBot Tools Inc., a manufacturer of CNC tools, now offers the fastest CNC routers in its class. ShopBot’s PRTalpha line features advanced, closed-loop motors and drivers, giving the tools a level of speed and productivity only seen on tools five times more expensive.

The closed-loop, “alphaStep” motors and drivers used in the PRTalpha combine the best features of servo and stepper motors - offering exceptionally fast and smooth cutting motions with no “tuning” or “hunting” problems. Cutting speeds are two to five times faster than current ShopBots and positioning speeds are up to 1,800 inches per minute.

ShopBots, manufactured by ShopBot Tools, Inc. of Durham, N.C., are CNC machines that use basic PC computers and easy-to-use software to design, cut and shape wood, plastic or metal products.

For additional information, contact Diane Reynolds, ShopBot Tools Inc., 3333 B Industrial Drive, Durham, NC 27704, 800-608-7500/919-680-4800, Fax: 919- 680-4900, E-mail: info@shopbottools.com, Web: www.shopbottools.com.

Multi Grind “O” Flute

Southeast Tool, Inc. is offering a solid carbide 1 flute spiral, “O” flute with multi grinds for cutting more rigid plastics like acrylics. The company states that the benefit of the “O” flute tool is better edge finish by removing the chips faster. This is especially true on problem type materials like acrylics. In addition, the “O” flute design helps in the chip curl to keep the chips from rewelding to the part that is cut. The tool is currently available in 1/4” diameter.

Southeast Tool, Inc. also announced that they have relocated their corporate headquarters combining their manufacturing and corporate offices under one roof.

For additional information, contact Chuck Hicks, Southeast Tool, Inc., P.O. Box 1597, Conover NC 28613, 828-324-2019, Fax: 828-324-4039, E-mail: router@southeasttool.com, Web: www.southeasttool.com.

Cutting System

Holzma U.S., a division of Stiles Machinery, offers the HPP 380 P cutting system designed expressly for use by plastic sheet fabricators and distributors. Features include solid construction; servo-powered rack and pinion drives on the positioning fence and the saw carriage for quick response and short cycle times and a variable speed main saw motor to optimize cut quality and productivity. A coolant system on the main saw blade of the HPP 380 P helps extend blade life. The HPP 380 P features Holzma’s unique side pressure device. Located underneath the table, it insures that materials are positioned firmly against the right angle fence resulting in square cuts. The HPP 380’s compact footprint and availability in both left and right hand configurations allow it to fit into many different floor space situations.

Ergonomically constructed, the HPP 380 P reduces operator fatigue with a comfortable worktable height and remote starter bar. Contributing to the HPP 380’s ease of operation are Holzma’s unique “touch-free” magnetic measuring system, automatic cutting height and length, automatic side pressure device placement and a program fence positioning speed of 264 fpm. A 17” SVGA monitor, Windows NT PCbased control and modem diagnostics simplify operator training and technical support.

For additional information, contact Bill Pitt, Holzma U.S., 1200 Tulip Drive, Gastonia, NC 28052, 704-861-8239, Fax: 704-867-4140, E-mail: bpitt@stilesmachinery.com, Web: www.stilesmachinery.com.

Nested-Based Machining Center

The Weeke BHP 200 Optimat machining center, available from Stiles Machinery Inc., is built for any size manufacturing operation. It’s designed for routing, boring and grooving flat components that have been nested into full sheets of material. The BHP 200 Optimat is constructed on a steel frame providing an uncompromising solid, vibration-free platform for the machining head and the THK linear motion guides ensure straight line tracking at high travel rates, with outstanding stability and performance. The BHP 200 comes standard with WoodWOP software and a proven interface to most popular manufacturing software packages.

Additional features on the BHP 200 include an 8-fold ride-along tool changer, 12 hp HSK vertical router motor, Windows-based Beckhoff CNC controllers, 8 positioning stops for single parts as well as full sheets, high flow vacuum table with multiple optional configurations, fiber-optic cables for communication between the drive system and the machine control as well as remote/Web-based diagnostics and technical support.

For additional information, contact Steve Waltman, Stiles Machinery Inc., 3965 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, 616-698-7500, E-mail: swaltman@stilesmachinery.com, Web: www.stilesmachinery.com.

Techno, Inc. announced that a new size of CNC router has been added to the LC Series product offering: the 78120 Model LC Series Machine. The new LC has a work envelope of 78” x 122” x 5” and is constructed on a heavy steel base weldment that is stress relieved. This new machine, ships complete with closed-loop servo motor drives as well as Techno’s easy-to-use Windows-based GCode Interface with free upgrades for the life of the machine. The new wide-model CNC Router can be equipped with a variety of spindles and accessories, including: automatic tool changer, vacuum table/pump, laser scanner or 4th axis rotary table.

Techno also introduced their Premium Class CNC Router. This heavy-duty router has a stress-relieved steel base and uses top-of-the-line THK rails and bearings. To ensure minimal maintenance and machine longevity, all three axes are equipped with ball screws as well as Brushless Servo Motors to provide power and accuracy when you need it. These quality components create a standard of optimal performance in each and every one of your routing applications.

The routers are ideal for the production routing of plastic, wood, aluminum, composites, either in nested-based form or individual component processing. Techno provides their easy-to-use Windows PC-based CNC Interface for communicating with any CAD/CAM GCODE outputting system.

Routers are available in 5-standard sizes ranging from to 60” x 60” to 60” x 192” (with special sizes available upon request). A complete line of CNC accessories that are fully compatible with the Premium Class Routers (e.g. vacuum table, automatic tool changers, dust collection, drill banks, etc.) are also available.

For additional information, contact Roy Valentino, Techno, Inc., 2101 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, 800-819-3366, Fax: 516-358-2576, Web: www.techno-isel.com.

Tooling Catalog

A new 40-page catalog from Vortex Tool Company, Inc. provides an overview of more than 400 different types of tools the company designs and manufactures for the woodworking and plastics industries. The catalog includes easy-to-use selection guides and detailed technical information on Vortex’s high-performance router and insert cutting tools. The 2004 recipient of the IWF Challengers Award, Vortex Tool Company, Inc. produces tools with cutting edges in various grades of carbide, stellite, high-speed steel and polycrystalline diamond, and provides custom tool design, retipping and sharpening services.

To request a free copy of their catalog, contact Mike Serwa, Vortex Tool Company, 5605 Jelinek Avenue, Schofield, WI 54476, 800-355-7708/715-355-7707, Fax: 715-355-7353, E-mail: info@vortextool.com, Web: www.vortextool.com.