Case Study: Integrating high end CNC routers and software into manufacturing

By integrating an ART CNC router into the manufacturing process, StyroMAX was able to improve cut quality and and productivity 

Panel manufacturing facility StyroMAX purchased a CNC router from Advanced Robotic Technology (ART) to improve cut quality and increase productivity.

StyroMAX, the panel manufacturing division of Summercool Truck Bodies in Darra, QLD, offers a high level of value-added service to its customers by providing lightweight refrigerated transport bodies and laminated FRP panels for the food and beverage industry, as well as RV caravan panels.

To ensure delivery of their products with the assurance of optimum quality and short lead times, company co-owner Steve Whitelock and his team decided it was time to upgrade the production process by adding a CNC router to the factory.

Founded in 1977 by Steve Whitelock and Bevan Carrick as a manufacturer of refrigerated transport bodies, the company was able to attract customers through competitive pricing, the latest in thermal truck panel technology and extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities. Ten years ago, the company decided to bring all panel manufacturing in-house, but wasn’t producing the high volumes to justify CNC equipment.

The decision to buy the CNC router was taken to meet the increase in volumes as well as the need for the refrigerated truck bodies to meet the ever-changing environmental, legislative and commercial demands placed upon them. The advanced technology allows the company to provide high quality products with quicker turnaround, enabling them to maintain their strong business position in the market.

According to Mr Whitelock, the primary objective was to increase the cut quality as well as become more productive and competitive. The CNC cutter would also enable them to offer more complex type of panels.

They chose an ART router because of ART’s local roots and friendly service. Although the machine involved a huge investment, for StyroMAX it was the service and the relationship that made all the difference, because they knew that the complex machine would require ongoing reliable support. StyroMAX also had the assurance that ART could simply log in, diagnose the problem and fix it straightaway.

The ART RT15600 CNC router delivered to StyroMAX’s Darra factory is one of the largest machines built by ART. Measuring 15.5m in length and 3.8m in width, the machine provides the necessary capacities for both sides of Mr Whitelock’s business, Summercool and StyroMAX.

StyroMAX is already reaping the benefits of the CNC router installation. Where it took two men three days to make a complete truck set, the RT router accomplishes the same task in about three hours, making a huge difference to the business. Working in a very competitive market, Summercool has positioned itself as a premium truck body builder for many RV and truck manufacturers; the increased efficiency and productivity therefore helps the company stay ahead.

http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Advanced-Robotic-Technology/Case-Study-Integrating-high-end-CNC-routers-and-software-into-manufacturing-n2517058

Laser Alignment Tool for CNC Gantry Machines

Pinpoint Laser Systems offers its Pinpoint Gantry Kit, a tool for geometric alignment of three-axis CNC gantry machines.

Pinpoint Laser Systems offers its Pinpoint Gantry Kit, a tool for geometric alignment of three-axis CNC gantry machines. Its straight, weightless laser beam replaces traditional piano wire, heavy steel straight edge and granite references. The company says that its tool is faster, easier and more consistently accurate than conventional methods, checking an entire machine in hours. Other potential uses include machine fabrication and assembly, setup and certification, and maintenance.

The kit measures straightness, perpendicularity, level and other parameters to an accuracy of 0.001" over a longitudinal travel of 150 ft. The measurement values can be used directly to make machine adjustments or uploaded to a PC for display and further computation and compensation. The solid aluminum laser and receiver housings are precision-engineered and anodized for wear resistance. The system is battery-operated, and a USB interface enables connection to a PC. Also included is the company's Pinpoint Capture software for data display, graphing and storage. All components fit in a carrying case for safe transportation.

http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/laser-alignment-tool-for-cnc-gantry-machines

Combining 3D Printing & CNC Milling in 1 Machine

Combining additive and subtractive manufacturing in one machine is on the rise. From Mebotics' Kickstarter project for an all-in-one 3D printing/etching/milling machine we told you about last year, to our recent report on Optomec's America Makes project for repairing metal aircraft parts, lots of people are trying to figure out how to combine the two.

Many of those hybrid manufacturing combinations, like Mebotics' desktop Microfactory -- which didn't reach its funding goal -- are attempts to combine some form of additive manufacturing (AM) with some form of subtractive manufacturing, usually CNC milling. Some are attempts to create an all-in-one prototyping machine using plastic and wood. Others are far larger and more ambitious, aiming at a hybrid manufacturing prototyping and manufacturing machine for metals. A couple of the latest come from Flexible Robotic Environment and Hurco.

Hurco, a major supplier of CNC machines, has applied for a patent on its new additive manufacturing adapter. The adapter plus the company's proprietary control software can turn its CNC machines into combination milling/3D printing systems that produce both plastic prototypes and metal finished parts.
(Source: Hurco)

Hurco, a major supplier of CNC machines, says it's applied for a patent on a new additive manufacturing adapter. The adapter, combined with the company's proprietary control software, can turn its CNC machines into combination milling/3D printing systems that produce both plastic prototypes and metal finished parts. This cuts down on setup time and labor, as well as materials for multiple prototypes, not to mention floor space.
Although Hurco is not revealing which 3D printing technology it's using on the adapter, the company did say it plans to expand to other AM processes. The new control technology will debut next month at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago.

This configurable 6-axis robotic work cell from Flexible Robotic Environment can combine laser scanning, CNC milling, and metals laser sintering, among other functions. The VDK6000 has a build platform measuring 2 feet high by 3 feet in diameter, and is aimed at both making and repairing metal parts.
(Source: Flexible Robotic Environment)

Meanwhile, one of the most impressive has got to be the complete 6-axis robotic work cell that can combine laser scanning, CNC milling, and metals laser sintering from Flexible Robotic Environment. The VDK6000 has a build platform measuring 2 feet high by 3 feet in diameter, and is aimed at both making and repairing metal parts.
The system is completely configurable, and can integrate tool heads for a number of different processes, such as laser scanning, milling, ultrasonic inspection, polishing and grinding, and plasma welding, among others. One machine, for example, can print metal parts using AM techniques, scan them via ultrasound for defects, and then finish them via traditional subtractive grinding, polishing, and drilling.

http://www.designnews.com/document.asp?doc_id=274350&itc=dn_analysis_element&dfpPParams=ind_183,industry_auto,industry_aero,industry_machinery,kw_robotics,aid_274350&dfpLayout=article