CNC Routers & Tooling
Nested-Based CNC Routers

HOMAG’s Vantech Series Nested-based CNC Routers, provided exclusively by Stiles Machinery and made right here in the U.S.A., offeres advanced solutions for a wide variety of plastic processing needs.

The Vantech Series from HOMAG features powerful 3- axis routing machines in four standard table sizes, including 4' x 8', 5' x 10', 5' x 12' and 6' x 12'. Each machine is built with an extremely robust foundation to support the Vantech’s high-speed routing capabilities, offering plastic manufacturers the ability to optimize material utilization and significantly improve product yield.

With easy-to-use Windows 7-based powerTouch touchscreen operation and a near zero setup PRO Auto-Set Matrix Table, the Vantech Series is not only user-friendly but remarkably efficient. Additional features include an automated tool changer with integrated loading device, high-speed drilling blocks and multiple material handling configurations, for a long life of flexibility and productivity.

HOMAG’s Vantech Series is backed by the world-class service and support of Stiles Machinery, providing plastic manufacturers of all sizes with the solutions they need, and the support they deserve.

For more information, contact James Swanson, Stiles Machinery, 3965 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, 616-698-7500, E-mail: jswanson@stilesmachinery.com, Web: www.stilesmachinery.com.

Production, Fabrication & Trimming

Thermwood Corporation, located in Southern Indiana and established in 1969, offers both 3- and 5-axis CNC machining centers ideally suited for the production, fabrication and trimming of wood, plastics, non-ferrous metals, composites and other advanced materials. These applications range from machining patterns and molds/plugs to trimming and machining production products for various industries such as woodworking, automotive, aerospace/aviation and defense industries.

Thermwood also offers a Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) system for 3D printing reinforced thermoplastic composite materials for producing industrial tooling, molds, patterns, masters, plugs and fixtures for various industries including aerospace, automotive, boating, foundry and thermoforming. The LSAM can perform both the additive and subtractive functions on the same machine. This approach, called near-net shape, uses carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic material to quickly create a part that is nearly, but not exactly, the final net shape. The subtractive function then machines the part to the exact final net shape.

Thermwood is a U.S. based company with dealers and distributors worldwide. In addition to machine manufacturing and software development, Thermwood has a technical service organization that provides support, machine installation, training, retrofits, custom programming and production assistance.

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

3-Axis CNC Router Series

The Hendrick HSR CNC Router Series is a precisely accurate system offered at an exceptional price. The heavy-duty steel welded frame is heat treated and normalized to provide rigidity and stability. All HSR Series CNC Routers utilize superior quality components such as precision helical rack & pinion and precision ground ball screw systems.

The HSR features a powerful 16HP HSD HSK-63F high frequency spindle with an 8 station rotary automatic tool changer for rapid tool changes on the fly. AC servo systems provide smooth, powerful, fast and accurate motion control.

The heavy-duty structure design and CNC control software yields feed rates up to 3200 inches per minute and positioning accuracy of +/- 0.002 inches 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 offers a complete line of 3, 4 & 5 axis CNC routers for plastics.

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

Fully Integrated Routers

Since 2008, CAMaster has offered high-quality, affordable, Americanmade CNC cutting solutions designed to help shops increase production and be more efficient. CAMaster manufactures fully integrated CNC routers for a wide range of applications and budgets, with competitive pricing and unparalleled support. Each CAMaster CNC router is built to exact standards and comes with one of the industry’s best after-sale support programs. Their new Cobra Elite is an American-made CNC router that's built for cutting wood, composites, plastics, foam, and non-ferrous metals.

Proudly made in the USA, the Cobra Elite is a combination of precision engineering, industrial performance and unbeatable value. It is backed by an industry-best twoyear warranty and CAMaster’s reputation for outstanding quality and customer support. Sold directly from CAMaster at almost half the cost of similar configured competitor models, the Cobra Elite is one of the best values in the CNC router market today.

CAMaster designed the Cobra Elite Series with high versatility in mind including: automatic tool changer, extended gantry heights, drill banks, vacuum tables, vacuum pod systems, aggregate heads, knives and much more. The Cobra Elite also comes standard with free lifetime technical phone support and online diagnostics.

For more information, contact Cody Smith, CAMaster, 149 Wansley Drive, Cartersville, GA, 770-334-2448, Email: cody.smith@camaster.com, Web: www.camaster.com.

Precision Spindle Motors

Precision Drive Systems (PDS), a global provider of high-speed precision spindle motors, support and repair for CNC machines in the wood, plastics, metal manufacturing and robotics industries, launched a new online store that makes buying consumables and rebuilt spindles more convenient at www.spindlerepair.com/shop--online-cnc. The rebuilt spindles available through the online store are completely broken down, reassembled and tested. Each spindle is rebuilt to better-than-factory tolerances and comes with a six-month warranty.

PDS’ secure online store is designed for convenient and secure purchasing of rebuilt spindles and a wide range of consumables that PDS customers rely on to keep their CNC operations running smoothly. Consumable products include collets, collet nuts, grippers, pull studs, spindle service kits, tool forks, tool holders and wrenches.

Automatic and manual tool-change spindles and 5-axis heads are manufactured under its own PDS brand, in addition, spindles from leading manufacturers are offered including Giordano Colombo, Hiteco and Spintec. The PDS corporate office is located in Bessemer City, NC. European customers are served by PDS in Lohne, Germany, with six other affiliate offices located throughout the world to assist and support their customers quickly wherever they need spindles or service.

For more information, contact Bob Barone, PDS, 4367 Dallas Cherryville Hwy., Bessemer City, NC 28016, 704-922-1206, E-mail: bbarone@pdsspindles.com, Web: www.spindlerepair.com.

New Options for Router Lines

AXYZ International is an industry-leading manufacturer of CNC router systems for all plastic fabrication applications. Today, advances in technology enable plastic fabricators to establish volume production, consistency in part production, smoothness of cut and high up-time operation.

The AXYZ Series, the most configurable CNC router in the industry is a popular choice and is suitable for one-off, small bath production as well as high volume and high productivity applications.

Alternatively, the Pacer Series, a heavy-duty CNC router has been engineered to provide the highest combination of quality and precision, delivering the perfect platform for high-speed, vibration-free processing of even the toughest materials.

Lastly, the Trident Series, the most versatile router-knife CNC hybrid in the industry is proving popular with plastic fabricators. This innovative CNC cutting solution combines three different cutting technologies to provide maximum versatility.

AXYZ has released several new product options to enhance its CNC routers. First, AXYZ introduced two new automatic changer options (ATC) with capacity for either 10 or 14 tool stations.

Additionally, the existing 7 and 21 station units were upgraded with improved mechanics and drive motors. The 10G unit fits in the same housing as the 7G system and the 14G unit fits in the 21G system. These interchangeable carousel plates improve machine configuration options, allowing for more tool capacity options in the same ATC envelopes.

Second, AXYZ’s new Kiss Cutting Knife expands the functionality of their CNC routers by allowing the routers to cut wider ranges of materials. A range of adapters allows the Kiss Cutting Knife to fit into most existing spindles and tangential knife tools. The blade holder doubles as an effective pen plotter and the unit has an adjustable pressure setting permitting the knife to be used on different types and thicknesses of vinyl. The Kiss Cutting Knife is available on all Trident, Pacer and AXYZ machines.

Third, AXYZ’s HSD 40,000 RPM High Speed Spindle represents the next step in high-speed machine processing. This HSD spindle operates at 6.7hp when running at speeds of 40,000 RPM and when running at standard cutting speeds of 12,000 - 24,000 RPM, the HSD spindle delivers power of 8.7hp. This makes the HSD spindle ideal for delivering highspeed processing while continuing to deliver excellent edge finish. It’s also idea for general purpose cutting of woods, plastics and non-ferrous metals. The HSD spindle is equipped with a liquid chiller delivering maximum cooling and lowers operating cost when compared to compressed air spindles. The HSD spindle can be used on all AXYZ Series, Pacer and Trident machines, with or without ATC.

The overwhelming power of these machines, alongside over 368,058 standard machine configurations, allows AXYZ customers to design the perfect machine for their business needs.

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

Robotic Un-Loading

Robotic unloading significantly reduces CNC operator time and fatigue, and that’s precisely what the new 2018 Sidewinder XPR from CNC Factory is designed to do. It’s a complete CNC machining center, production rates are significantly faster with robotic unloading and spoil cleaning than with manually machines, as the Sidewinder CNC router doesn’t need to be stopped between sheets.

Built for production, this machine features state-of-the-art CNC robotic technology in its 12hp spindle; 8-tool Rapid Rotary tool changer and fully loaded features. With the robotic unloader option, completed parts will automatically move toward the user, so the operator can stay in one spot during the entire unloading process and perform part separation and/post production. The machine will begin cutting a new sheet of material as soon as the processed parts have been harvested. And again, this can be accomplished without the employee having to reach over the machine bed to lift and move parts, further reducing fatigue and avoiding any delay in CNC operations.

CNC Factory, Inc., is an American manufacturer with locations in both Southern California and New Jersey.

For more information, contact Chris Corrales, CNC Factory, Inc., 2001 S. Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705, 714-581-5999, Fax: 714-581-6004, E-mail: sales@cncfactory.com, Web: www.cncfactory.com.

Fixed Bridge CNC Routers

C.R. Onsrud understands the parameters of machining polymers, and they are in business to help plastics manufacturers exceed their production goals. Their E-Series and C-Series class machines both incorporate heavy, fixed bridge design, so these stout machines deliver the speed, performance and rigidity to achieve the edge quality you demand. Their twin-table platforms also bring functionality and efficiency to your operation with continuous, pendulum processing capabilities.

Need more control? Put the power of Osync to work in your facility. Their award-winning machine analytics software provides useable performance data to help you make better, more informed decisions in areas like scheduling, workload and raw materials to maximize throughput.

Osync is also on-site 24/7 to be your eyes and ears, monitoring the maintenance, servicing and issue-reporting needs of your investment. In manufacturing, machinery needs service periodically - whether scheduled or unscheduled. Keeping down-time to a minimum, and getting you back on-line quickly is the service commitment they make to you as your machinery partner.

For more information, contact Matt Jenkins, C.R. Onsrud Inc., 120 Technology Dr., Troutman, NC 28166, 704-508-7000, Fax: 704-528-6170, E-mail: marketing@cronsrud.com, Web: www.cronsrud.com.

Trimming Machines

GEISS, a worldwide leader in technology, quality and performance, manufactures trimming machines that can be exactly adapted to meet your specific requirements.

Depending on requirements, the GEISS trimming machines are available in any nominal size and different versions. The smallest machine size provides the same productivity and rigidity as the larger ones. The nominal size is equal to the block size trimmed with 5-axis in all machines. The machine size 2000 x 1000 mm is the most built standard size.

GEISS customers can be assured that all programs are interchangeable and compatible to enable transfer to newer control systems among all machine sizes.

Areas of application include: thermoplastics; glass and carbon fiber-reinforced composites; compression molded parts of GMT and SMC; molded parts of foam; honeycomb lightweight materials; pattern making foams in tool making and prototyping.

For more information, contact Michael J. Roche, Geiss LLC, 29 Pequot Road, Wallingford, CT 06492, 203-988- 9426, E-mail: michael.roche@geissllc.com, Web: www.geiss-ttt.com.

3- & 5-Axis CNC Routers

Quintax offers a full line of 3- and 5-axis CNC routers for multiple industry applications at competitive price ranges.

Perfect for plastic trimming, patterns, molds and composite machining, the new Quintax Q3 and Q5 are their entry-level, highper-formance lines with many standard features, a selection of several table sizes and Z heights.

Their E5 models are designed with an integral work-area surround, an optional fully enclosed top is available and can be configured with shuttle systems into and out of the working area.

The G5 series is their premier line configured with a moving bridge and robust stationary columns. These machines are preferred when machining large parts up to 60 feet and extremely tight tolerances are required.

All Quintax machines can be configured with spindles, from 12hp to 25hp, a choice of CNC control packages, extended warranties, various tool change options, digital part probing, internal lighting, dust & chip collection, 3D volumetric compensation, continuous C-axis rotation, virtual net diagnostics for quick troubleshooting and absolute encoders.

For more information, contact Patrick Calderone, Quintax Machining Centers, A Product of Ferry Industries, Inc., 4445 Allen Road Stow, OH 44224, 330-920-9200 ext. 137, Fax: 330-920-4200, E-mail: pcalderone@ferryindustries.com, Web: www.quintax.com.

High Precision Router

The G4 Evo CNC router, offered by Giben America, is designed for the high precision requirements of the plastics industry. It offers hardened and precision ground ball screw with antibacklash ball nuts on the z-axis.

The base of the G4 is constructed of heavy-duty industrial grade steel throughout. Its table and gantry are constructed of cast iron for the ultimate in stability and isolation of vibration. Furthermore, the gantry is supported on both sides of the table and guided by linear guides for ultimate strength and smooth, easy movements.

The G4 has a grid type table with an included 10hp Becker vacuum pump to ensure secure positioning of the work pieces and holding features. The solid state Syntec control system is linked to closed loop Delta digital servomotors on all three axes.

As an option, the G4 can also be equipped with automatic loading and offloading. The G4 is supplied with a complete range of safety features including a safety hood for the spindle working area and front side photo barrier.

This is only one of the models offered by Giben America. They also offer beam saws specifically designed for the needs of the plastics industry.

For more information, contact Giben America, 1000 Satellite Blvd., Suite 101, Suwanee, GA, 30024, 770-448-9140, E-mail: sales@giben.com, Web: www.giben.com.

New CNC Systems

Techno CNC Systems introduced their new Titan Series CNC Router. Designed for nested based manufacturing, this new model advances Techno’s vision for a smarter, more economical solution for its customers. Techno CNC Systems, an innovator of design, constantly improves equipment performance while lowering building costs.

This new machine has a newly designed, heavier steel base, allowing the rotary vane vacuum pump to be placed under the machine. This results in a smaller foot print for the router, thus saving valuable shop floor space.

The Titan Series include a 12Hhp HSD automatic tool changer with 8-position tool rack, vacuum T-slot table, simple to use hand held controller, and servo motor drives. This new machine also includes 7 ó” gantry clearance with 11 ó” z-axis stroke, giving a production shop greater flexibility to fully process the 7 ó”. In addition, the machine includes material pop-up pins for easy sheet alignment, and a main gate valve for the whole vacuum table, allowing the pump to run continuously.

For more information, contact Roy Valentine, Techno CNC Systems, LLC, 29 Trade Zone Drive, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779, 631-648-7481, Fax: 631-983-4701, E-mail: technosales@technocnc.com, Web: www.technocnc.com.

Plastic/Sign Making Tooling

Vortex Tool Company offers a comprehensive plastic/sign making tooling package for CNC routers. The package includes three sizes of Series 5600 upcut or Series 5700 downcut “O” flute spirals. The upcut and downcut spirals’ polished flute design allows chips to curl/form better, reduces heat and adds lubricity without the use of coatings. Double-edge “O” flute straight tooling featuring two cutting edges to reduce chip load and produce a stronger cross section with harder plastics is also included. The package also contains a spoilboard cutter with replacement inserts, three sizes of ballnose spirals, and engraving bits. The Vortex staff can consult with you to determine your router applications and select a specific set of tools and accessories to meet your design needs. Most items are in stock for immediate shipment.

American owned and operated, 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 all makes and models.

For more information, contact Mike Serwa, Vortex Tool Company, 5605 East Jelinek Avenue, Schofield, WI 54476, 800-355-7708/715-355-7707, Fax: 715-355-7353, E-mail: mike@vortextool.com, Web: www.vortextool.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 Customer Service, Hufschmied USA, 203-988-9426, E-mail: sales@hufschmiedusa.com, Web: www.hufschmied.net.

Coated CNC Router Bits

Amana Tool, a producer of industrial-quality carbide-tipped, solid carbide and replacement carbide cutting tools, recently introduced their Spektra™ extreme tool life coated CNC router bit line.

Their Spektra bits feature a nACo® nanocomposite coating with an extreme Nano hardness and heat resistance. With a brilliant distinctively-tinted coloring, nACo provides additional improvements in four critical aspects of router tooling.

nACo coating is a micro-thin ceramic coating which enables the tool's cutting edge to retain crucial sharpness and lubricity. This provides longevity and produces cutting results of the highest quality. The coating also prevents high heat and oxidation, which is detrimental to cutting tool performance. The multi-colored hues, while attractive, will dissipate upon use and yet coating will remain fully effective.

nACo offers approximately 4,500 Vickers for impressive solid hardness on cutting areas of the tool, for an increase up to 2.5 times the life compared to uncoated bits.

The range of tools is aimed at use in the high production wood and plastics industries. Featured are solid carbide compression spirals for use on wood, wood veneer, plywood, MDF and laminates. Also offered are solid carbide “O’ flute tools for use on acrylic (Plexiglas® Lucite®) and many other plastic materials. The tools are available in a variety of sizes. The compression tools are also offered in a 5-piece set.

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.

Routing Tools for Plastics

LMT Onsrud makes solid carbide, single-edge, spiral “O” flute routers ideal for the machining of common sheet plastics such as acrylic, polycarbonate, polypropylene and ABS. Their double edge “O” flute tools are used to machine greater thicknesses of mechanical plastics like Delrin®, UHMW and HDPE. Their routing tools' spiral “O” flute geometry produces large, tightly curled chips that readily clear the cutting zone, providing excellent edge finish with no chip-welding problems. They also offer solid carbide V-flute routing tools for the machining of harder, more brittle plastics and high-speed steel tools for operations such as hand routing where breakage may be an issue.

LMT Onsrud offers a full 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.