Machinery & Tooling

Trimming Machines
GEISS AG, a worldwide leader in technology, quality, and performance, manufactures trimming and vacuumforming machines that can be configured exactly to meet the customer’s specific requirements.

Depending on the customer’s specific application, the Geiss machine can be produced in any nominal size and delivered with and in any combination of the more than 100 options to meet any need in terms of the materials to be processed as well as the capacity requirement. They are able to deliver a full range of features to result in equipment best suited for any need starting at basic manually loaded, semi-automation all the way up to fully-automatic operations. The idea is to be able to deliver the most cost-effective solution for meeting a full range of requirements regardless of product size or the material type being processed, at any production capacity within a wide range of their clients and budget.

Geiss has now introduced the market to a fully integrated forming and trimming solution. They now offer to configure their forming and trimming machines together with an integrated six-axis robot that allows for a full-automatic solution. The user can start with palletized sheet material and without human intervention, get out the finished parts because all the handling between forming, trimming is done automatically. Addition further operations such as management of the scrap and dust and chip mitigation, or part inspection with vision systems can be integrated. Geiss already offered automatic exchange of sheet material and molds.

Despite the possibility to run in a fully automated configuration both the vacuum forming and trimming machines can be run independently of each other without the use of the robot.

Cycle times can be balanced between the thermoforming and the trimming processes by using multiples of the machines of either type together with robotic integration to reach an ideal configuration.

For more information, contact Michael J. Roche, Geiss LLC, 42 Ozick Drive, Unit 6, Durham, CT 06422, 203-988-9426, E-mail: michael.roche@geissllc.com, Web: www.geiss-ttt.com.

3-D Trimming
Thermwood introduces their 5- Axis Model 90, a state-of-the-art CNC router revolutionizing plastic trimming and thermoforming processes. Designed for three-dimensional applications, this high-speed machine delivers exceptional precision and efficiency in the plastics industry.

With a robust build, the Model 90 excels in trimming thermoformed plastics, composite materials, and fiberglass parts. It seamlessly converts CAD data into patterns and molds, guaranteeing flawless results. Equipped with a 12 HP router and standard 4-position automatic tool changing system, it offers single (5’x5’, 5’x10, 10’x5’) or dual moving aluminum tables (5’x5, 5’x10’ and 5’x12’). Larger routers and extra tool changers are also available.

Optional features like automatic tool length sensor, lubrication system, gantry lighting, and machine enclosure optimize performance. The continuous C-axis and acculube mist coolant system ensure precision and quality. Choose from a 6-position bar style automatic tool changer and ten-position rotary automatic tool changer for enhanced workflow.

Thermwood, a renowned multinational CNC machinery manufacturer, presents the Model 90 as the ultimate solution for plastic trimming and thermoforming. Their expertise extends to various industries, from aerospace to entertainment. Experience the limitless potential of the Thermwood 5-Axis Model 90, elevating your plastic trimming capabilities to new heights with unrivaled precision and efficiency.

For more information, contact Duane Marrett, Thermwood Corporation, 904 Buffaloville Rd., Dale, IN 47523, 800-533-6901, E-mail: duane.marrett@thermwood.com, Web: www.thermwood.com.

Redefined Desktop
ShopBot Tools, Inc., USA, a CNC router manufacturer in both the full-size machine, and the small format machine markets, has re-envisioned their popular Desktop MAX ATC to automate production work for the industrial market, the entrepreneur, educator, and maker. Like the previous model of this tool, its machined aluminum frame with a 36” x 24” cutting area continues to have an open-bed design and boasts several deck options that can be swapped out based on demands: 1) a universal vacuum hold down deck with plenum and bleeder board; 2) a slotted aluminum deck which can be partially or completely removed for a wide variety of end-milling and edge work; and 3) a lower slotted aluminum deck with an additional 4” of Z-clearance for thicker materials.

Exciting new standard features on the machine continue to set this tool apart from any others on the market. Brian Owen, ShopBot’s CTO, adds “The time savings from automatic tool changes, combined with the aggressive cuts possible with the 1 HP electrospindle and larger bits, translate immediately to high volume output and better quality from your CNC. ShopBot continues to help make smaller shops competitive and efficient.”

The Desktop MAX ATC V2 has a number of useful new features. It now comes preloaded with a toolbar housing seven ER-20 toolholders which can hold bits with a shank up to a 1/2” for woodworking and metal machining jobs. The removable toolbar allows through cutting for long materials that extend off the bed of the machine and for switching full sets of cutters as needed for specific jobs. Seven collets of your choice are included with the purchase of a Desktop MAX ATC, 1/8" – 1/2” and corresponding metric sizes are available. Vectric’s VCarve Pro CAD/CAM software and ShopBot CNC Control System Software are included with each tool purchase along with live technical support and training options.

Ready for prototyping or production in any size shop, the unit requires only 110v electrical service and an air source to provide 4cfm @90PSI. It ships fully assembled and fleet pricing is available.

The MAX ATC can also be purchased as a Desktop MAX ATC Work Station; an all-in-one solution that includes the Invision Full Enclosure, steel Work Stand, dedicated control computer, and a Desktop MAX ATC. The ShopBot Edge Clamp Joinery Jig, 3” or 6” indexers, and other accessories are available to expand the capabilities of the machine.

For more information contact ShopBot Tools, Inc., 3333 Industrial Dr., Durham, NC 27704, 888-680-4466/919-680-4800, E-mail: sales@shopbottools.com, web: www.shopbottools.com.

CNC for Rapid-Prototyping
AXYZ Tailored Router Solutions™ now offers the AXYZ Innovato Router to their line-up of CNC machines. This entry-level industrial CNC router replaced the legacy Z-Series model, offering a significant increase in performance while including a robust construction and high precision accuracy that AXYZ machines are known for, all at a cost-effective price.

The AXYZ Innovator is available in two standard sizes, 4’ x 4’ (1.2m x 1.2m) and 5’ x 8’ (1.5m x 2.4m), with a gantry clearance of 6” (152mm).

The Innovator has been engineered to include the following new features: a heavy-duty frame with cast gantry legs for added rigidity; integrated servo motors replacing stepper servos for smoother motion and higher speeds; premium helical racks offering a new level of cut quality, and it is designed to be more easily upgradable for option installations in the future, including the exclusive 3-position tool changer.

For more information, contact AXYZ Tailored Router Solutions, 5330 South Service Rd., Burlington, ON, L7L 5L1, Canada, 800-361-3408/905-634-4940, E-mail: enquiries@axyz.com, Web: www.axyz.com.

Plastic Working Machinery
Cutting large panels quickly and efficiently is a necessity in today’s competitive markets. A Super-duty 20 to 25 HP NC/Computer Panel Saw from Castaly Machine with pusher or gripper feed has the capacity to cut panels quickly, easily, and accurately. The saw promises dramatic productivity gains with advanced computer control, a high efficiency automatic gripper feed system, reduced cycle time and perfect square cutting accuracy. The automatic gripper feed system is driven by a 2 HP AC servo motor for accuracy within 0.001" and 100 ~ 330 FPM high feeding performance. The controller can be online at the office with a personal computer through a RS-232 interface or USB to download cutting information.

It is equipped with a touch control screen for convenient operations eliminating the problem of dust contamination, and features a self-diagnostic function provided with comprehensive probable cause of error and detailed troubleshooting guide. The scoring blade may be laterally adjusted for a burr-free cut or vertically adjusted for a proper cut. A 2 HP AC motor drives the saw carriage with variable speeds changed by frequency control 16 ~ 495 FPM with retract 400 FPM speed. The table surfaces are covered with Bakelite or rubber rollers to prevent scratching of the panel during feeding.

Castaly also offers reliable and affordable quality CNC equipment configurations that suit a variety of applications such as router, laser, plasma, oscillating knife, lathe, and boring. These machines are specifically designed for cabinetry, closets, signs, and plastic applications for small to large-sized companies.

For more information, contact Jeff Ou, Castaly Industries Corp., 637 Vineland Ave., La Puente, CA 91746, 626-968-6330, Fax: 626-336-2890, E-mail: jeff@castalymachine.com, Canada Branch: 956 Rue André-Liné, Granby, QC J2J 1E2 CANADA, 450-372-3876, Web: www.castalymachine.com.

Cutting & Milling Tools
Hufschmied offers a range of tooling specifically designed for milling plastics. With plastic materials it is crucial to keep the milling temperature as low as possible. This can be achieved with tools from their Universal- Line and Sharp-Line. Depending on your requirements and your machinery, the solution to your processing problem offers you a choice of one, two or three-flute cutters.

Hufschmied tools are designed to minimize burr formation and provide a quality edge finish at high feed rates minimizing secondary operations. When it comes to cutting thermoset the avoidance of burr formation is critical to a high-quality edge finish. Their Universal- Line and Proto-Line are well suited for this category of materials.

For the processing of PMMA, cast or extruded, the Frasen Per Plex product range of single-fluted milling cutters produce a mirror-like surface finish without the need for additional polishing tools or any other polishing action. When working acrylics, milling cutters and drills need to produce sharply defined cutting edges. For this approach, Hufschmied supplies the FPE tool system with a single-step roughing and finishing cycle producing these very sharply defined edges. For polycarbonate and PET their Sharp-Line will provide a sooth finish with long tool life.

For more information, contact Steve Holbrook, Hufschmied USA, 42 Ozick Drive, Unit 6, Durham CT 06422, 419-341-6337, E-mail: sales@hufschmiedusa.com, Web: www.hufschmied.net.

No-Melt Blades
Modified triple-chip grind tooth style and specially engineered side clearances make Forrest Manufacturing's carbide tipped No-Melt blades the perfect choice for cutting single or multiple stacked sheets of plastic without chipping or melting.

The No-Melt blade is just one of the many award-winning general-, special- and custom-purpose blades and dados offered by Forrest Manufacturing, a family-owned business for more than 50 years. All Forrest blades are manufactured in the U.S. to exacting standards, using proprietary grinding techniques and hand straightening. The result is exceptional perimeter concentricity, an astonishing +/- .001” side runout and super fine-tooth grind for smooth, quiet and precise cuts.

The No-Melt blade is no exception. Its numerous teeth allow fast feeding of brittle acrylics. Super-hard C-4 micro grain carbide tips ensure 50 to 300 percent longer life between sharpenings. The No- Melt blade is available in 7” to 20” diameters with 60 to 120 teeth. It is particularly appropriate for cutting acrylics, Delrins®, ABS, sty - renes, PVC, and high- and low-melt nylons. Forrest blades come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Factory sharpening services for all makes of carbide tipped circular blades is also available.

Forrest also offers their Duraline blades available in different tooth styles to meet different needs. The TCG for plastic cuts smoother than No-Melt due to narrower clearance angles. Use #11 TCG to prevent chipping edge of acrylic sheet. Also keep blade height low if on table saw. Made with double-hard C-4 Submicron Carbide for longer life between sharpenings.

For more information, contact Jay Forrest, Forrest Manufacturing Company, 457 River Road, Clifton, NJ 07014, 800-733-7111, Web: www.forrestblades.com.