Carvey Is A Powerful CNC Machine For The Rest Of Us

Robotic CNC machines – cutting systems that use spinning tools to swipe through metal, wood, and plastic – are cool but ugly. Most of them are as big as a fridge and designed to carve out objects in a few minutes but none will sit quietly on your desk and do its business with aplomb and elegance. Now, however, there’s Carvey.

Carvey is the Form 1 of CNC. Designed to be a seamless, well-designed tool for designers and makers, you program it by entering a tool path – basically the movements the cutting head will make – and pressing a button. The system can be set up for specific materials.
Now this isn’t exactly a 3D printer. It’s more useful if you’re planning on building a flat-pack sort of buildable object (think Ikea) or a flat piece of a bigger project. For example, you could print an entire pair of glasses with this system by printing the stems and eyepieces separately. You could even cut out the lenses.

http://techcrunch.com/2014/10/21/carvey-is-a-powerful-cnc-machine-for-the-rest-of-us/

Arduino 3D Printing And CNC Machines

October 3rd was National Manufacturing Day in the USA. What has this to do with software? Everything.
We tend to forget that just about everything we do with software is based on hardware and now our software has the ability to create solid, tangible things. Manufacturing is no longer a support for computing. With 3D printers, our software can produce real products.
The 3D printer revolution still has a long way to go, but with Arduino on board it is getting closer to its target. The new Arduino Materia 101 is designed to be simple and with its cool blue Arduino logo you can't help but feel that it really is more approachable.




As you might guess, at its heart is an Arduino Mega and the entire machine is a collaboration between Arduino and Sharebot. At the moment, few hard facts are available. What we do know is that it is a fused filament printer, i.e. it prints melted plastic and its printing area is about 140x100x100 mm, which isn't huge. Resolution is claimed to be 0.06mm in the XY plane and 0.0025 in the Z direction - clearly these are theoretical.
Overall the machine looks a lot like the Sharebot Kiwi-3D and uses the same material and printing area. We will have to wait to see if there are any substantial differences in performance or UI.
The Materia 101 is expected to cost $800 as a kit and $1000 for the fully-built version.




Of course, the original 3D printer is the CNC machine tool. These vary in size from a full metal milling machine to a small router. Although not really printers, in the the sense that they work by taking material away from a block rather than depositing it to create the shape, they have the advantage that the range of materials they can work with is much greater - anything from wood to high strength metals. If you want a tough, computer-generated component then a CNC machine is what you need.
As a demonstration of how CNC works the following video explains how a 3D model of a face was constructed - yes CNC machines can be accurate - from high density foam.
Next the same 3D model was rendered using a three-color powder printer. A powder printer works by "inkjet" printing glue onto a layer of powder. Once the layer is complete, another layer of powder is deposited and the print head once again deposits glue.

http://www.i-programmer.info/news/91-hardware/7826-arduino-3d-printing-and-cnc-machines.html

New Multi-Function Machine Capable Of 3D Printing, CNC Milling, And Injection Molding

Luminar Products from Nampa, ID announces launch of the TRiBOT Kickstarter project. The first multi-function machine capable of 3D printing, CNC milling, and auto-injection molding.
Nampa, ID (PRWEB) - View the Kickstarter here.
The TRiBOT fills the void that currently exists between light duty 3D printers and heavier duty machining and injection molding equipment. The TRIBOT desktop workshop machine can take ideas from prototype to production without investing in three different machines at more than three times the cost.
It is the first machine to offer the unique three-in-one manufacturing capabilities of 3D printing, CNC milling and auto-injection molding. Unlike other 3D printing machines, the TRiBOT is built on a solid 130 lb iron frame. It is capable of printing detailed prototype models while still preserving the practical use as a CNC Mill or manual mill to shape solid steel with ease.
The TRiBOT is the ultimate tool for creators with great ideas who don’t have access to the multiple machines, tools and technology needed to bring their ideas to life. The TRiBOT offers the unique ability to develop their ideas and prototype them, then perfect them down to the finest detail and then produce them. All with ONE machine.
John Rule, President of Luminar Products in Nampa, Idaho says "The TRiBOT is the most versatile machining tool that offers creators the ultimate tool for bringing an idea to life."
Ron Steele, chief engineer comments "Anyone who has ever tried to turn an idea into a finished product knows how difficult it can be to get from prototype, to perfecting, to production stages. You often need not just one, but an assortment of very expensive specialized tools to travel through the creation process." The TRiBOT offers the versatility of three machines with a much smaller footprint and price tag than would normally come with purchasing three machines capable of the same functions.
The Kickstart campaign aims to raise $30,000 in 45 days on the crowd-funding website, by reaching entrepreneurs, inventors, artists, clothes designers, jewelry designers, engineers, schools, labs, manufacturing shops, or just a machine hobbyist who wants the most versatile machine available. The campaign launched September 17th and ends on November 1st.
Learn more about the team here.
Luminar Products is a small manufacturing company located in the beautiful Idaho Treasure Valley right outside of Boise. Luminar plans to send waves through the small scale manufacturing world with the the TRiBOT. Passionate about providing inventors, designers, engineers, artists, and anyone with an idea the tools necessary to make it a reality.

http://www.machinetoolsonline.com/doc/new-multi-function-machine-capable-printing-cnc-milling-injection-molding-0001

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

Okuma and Hartwig Open House Offers Preview of CNC Machines and Technology to Be Displayed at IMTS 2014

Okuma America Corporation, a world-leader in CNC machine tool manufacturing, and Hartwig Inc., the largest machine tool solutions distributor in the Midwest, partner to host an Open House, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., at the Okuma Tech Center, Houston, Texas.
This one day event will feature select CNC machines in addition to new technology, tooling and workholding that will be displayed at IMTS 2014. Attendees will get a preview of special event pricing on a variety of machines including Okuma horizontal lathes and machining centers, Tsugmai Swiss turn centers, EDM machines, and inspection and measuring equipment.
The event will include live cutting demonstrations and seminars and attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from Okuma, Hartwig, members of Partners in THINC and other suppliers. The Open House schedule is:
*9:00 - 10:00 a.m. – Welcome
*10:00 -11:00 a.m. - ABB, KUKA Automation Seminar
*12:00 – 1:00 p.m. - Lunch
*1:00 -1:30 p.m. - Okuma Technology, Jeff Estes
*1:30 – 3:00 p.m. – Demonstrations
To register for the event and for more information on CNC machines that will be on display visit http://go.hartwiginc.com/hartwigopenhouse.
About Okuma America Corporation
Okuma America Corporation is the U.S.-based sales and service affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world leader in CNC (computer numeric control) machine tools, founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan. The company is the industry’s only single-source provider, with the CNC machine, drive, motors, encoders, spindle and CNC control all manufactured by Okuma. Okuma’s innovative and reliable technology, paired with comprehensive, localized service protection, allows users to run continuously with confidence – maximizing profitability. Along with its industry-leading distribution network (largest in the Americas), and Partners in THINC, Okuma facilitates quality, productivity and efficiency, empowering the customer and enabling competitive advantage in today’s demanding manufacturing environment. For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @OkumaAmerica.
Hartwig
Founded in 1960, Hartwig has become the largest distributor of machine tool solutions and inspection equipment in the Midwest and Mountain regions. Built on a foundation of fairness, after-sales support and hard work, the company has grown to more than 170 employees covering eight office locations in 15 states including: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Hartwig partners with its customers to optimize machining performance, decrease downtime and improve overall efficiency of equipment and applications. The company prides itself on not just being a machine tool distributor, but a true solutions provider intent on assisting customers in controlling their destiny and keeping manufacturing within the U.S. Hartwig delivers applications, service and sales to numerous industries, including aerospace, computer, construction, farming, fluid power, industrial machining, medical, oil and gas energy, and semiconductor processing. Hartwig’s name is synonymous with quality, service, support, and engineering. http://www.hartwiginc.com

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/06/prweb11975008.htm