CNC Router News : Applications, Technology & Market

Technology challenges the master violinmaker

2012-01-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

Most people consider Italian violinmaker Antonio Stradivari the greatest violinmaker of all time. He’s getting some competition from technology. Today, on Engineering Works!.

A team of modern violinmakers and a doctor is using technology the 18^th-century luthier never dreamed of to measure and duplicate – almost exactly – violins built by the master.

The doctor, a radiologist, or specialist in medical imaging, also is an amateur violinist. He came up the idea of using computed tomography, or CT, imaging to get exact three-D images of one of the 500 or so Stradivari violins that have survived to today. The CT scan produced more than 1,000 images of the 300-year-old violin.

Then they converted the CT images to computer files that programmed a computer numerically controlled, or CNC, router. The

CNC router is a machine tool that can shape new violin parts to almost exactly the dimensions of the originals. The scans also show the density of the wood in individual parts. This allows modern violin makers to use different woods to match the density of the original. The newly made parts seem to match the originals.

One of the best things about this approach is that the original instruments aren’t disassembled or damaged. The researchers say the imaging is so detailed that it could also be used to identify individual instruments and track repairs to them over the years since Stradivari made them.

CNC Router Cut CD Ninja Stars

2012-01-22T05:21:00.000-08:00

by Jeremy Cook

Behold, the CNC cut CD ninja star! At one point I believed I had invented the CD ninja star, but a quick search of Google proved me very wrong. As far as I can tell though, this is the first one that is cut with a CNC router, so maybe that’s something.

The picture to the right is, unfortunately, a result of placement, not the actual star sticking in the dartboard after a throw. Not that this wasn’t attempted. The shuriken in the upper left was a result of one of the points breaking off.

Not the sturdiest weapon in the world. After cutting off another point to make it symmetric, it’s flight is still impressive if incredibly random. I tested it out in the house (not recommended) where it arced around a wall nearly poking my wife in the eye.

Cutting was done with an engraving bit from ZTW at a depth of cut of .010″ per pass. I didn’t offset anything, but just drew it and cut as an engraving. The CD was fixtured the same way as the last HDD clock that I did, but one difference was that the zero of the X and Y axes were on the edges (shown by the green and red lines in the CAMBam picture after the break), not the center. This allowed me to line everything up based on an edge instead of estimating the center of it.

It seems that things cut much better if started from the side with a picture. Things seemed to delaminate from the other side, but this could also be a result of using an industrially-written CD instead of writeable media.

Mold cutting using cnc router

2012-01-22T05:17:00.000-08:00

George Leone, Student Project Facilitator at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA, recently sent us pictures of a project that students from the Human Powered Vehicle Club designed for the ASME Human Powered Vehicle Challenge. The human powered vehicles have been known to reach speeds of approximately 55 mph.

Precision Board Plus PBLT-6 mold being routed

After testing the sheet-metal prototype, a mold was cut from Precision Board Plus PBLT-6 using their “hot-rodded” ShopBot CNC router. They then vacuum-bagged the molds for the bodies using a room-temp cure system. The molds were coated with Duratec for an ultra-smooth surface. Once finished, the Carbon/Kevlar bodies were fitted over a composite or Chrome-Moly frame.

The bikes are 100% built by students unless the technology is WAY beyond the capabilities or ingenuity at Cal Poly. This is also an all-volunteer club, and students do not earn credits for participation.

George has been working with composites for over thirty years. He enjoys working with Precision Board Plus because “it allows students to take their vision and turn it into reality quickly and easily, whether they are using Surform files and sandpaper or a CNC router. It’s low-dust, green chemistry composition coupled with its favorable carbon balance and renewable resource content appeal to the stewardship concerns of our 21st century engineers in training.”

Incredible CNC milled columns designed with Processing

2012-01-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

These astoundingly intricate columns by Michael Hansmeyer were designed in Processing using a subdivision process before being CNC milled slice by slice from 1mm ABS plastic. Yes, I did say 1mm.

As you might imagine, this means that each column has an enormous number of layers, 2700 in fact. Each column has a core of wood and iron to keep all those layers in place and support what must be significant weight.

Creating long-range wifi links with CNC cut

2012-01-12T20:52:00.000-08:00

This project was designed to provide WiFi to small communities in Afghanistan and Kenya using off-the-shelf wireless routers for a total cost of $60 per unit. While the design was originally intended to be made with CNC routing, the locals quickly started making more by hand.

Wonderful onion dome structures — the Zome

2012-01-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

Rob Bell, a maker with a professional background in software development has creates interesting temporary structures with Sketchup Pro and a Shopbot CNC Router. His clever joinery details allow the structures to be assembled without the use of tools.
More images and video after the jump…

Bell demonstrates the usefulness of code when designing. To save time creating geometric forms, he makes Ruby scripts to generate the geometry. He has released several scripts including Zome Builder for Sketchup.

Emphasis on testing ideas is key to how Bell designs, he suggests to “Start small and make small prototypes so you don’t waste your time, material or your money.”

Bell has some encouraging advice for people who are makers in other fields – “The type of skills and thinking that make someone a good software engineer are the same skills that make a solid craftsman, designer and builder.”

Brilliant new multi-material desks from Because We Can

2012-01-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

With wood, resin, CNC tools and Talent, Oakland’s incredible furniture studio Because We Can turns out another masterpiece.

I’ve been a fan of Because We Can for a long time, so much so that I filmed an interview about their work and philosophy. They’re incredibly open about their business model, methods, and techniques. They’ve even given free lectures on how to follow in their footsteps.

Their latest project is a set of interlocked swiveling tables for a San Fransisco home and I have to say I’m astounded. They’re made from wood and aluminum sheets routed on a ShopBot. The real brilliant part comes in how they’ve etched the surface of the table tops using an engraving bit, and then filled the resulting voids with contrasting resin. The finished table is, I think you’ll agree, stunning.

They’ve also made a short film about the production of the piece.

CNC routing helps surfing become more sustainable

2012-01-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

In a sport that is highly attuned to the rhythms of nature, Mike Grobelny’s Clean Waves design is making ripples toward a greener future.

Typical surfboards contain resins, polyurethane foams and fibreglass, none of which are easy to breakdown or reuse once the resin has cured. However not Clean Waves…

Completed as part of a student project at Auckland’s AUT, product design graduate Mike Grobelny’s board is an uncompromising design and has already caught the attention of many in design circles. Grobelny is a finalist in the Best Awards, the New Zealand design awards, a finalist in the IDEA international design awards competition, and was recently featured in idealog, a NZ business, design and innovation magazine.

Adhering to the cradle to cradle approach of product life cycle design has ensured the consideration of every aspect of the board’s impact on the environment. The design called for the close scrutiny of timber. Grobelny settled on bamboo and paulownia – selected for their fast growth rate and thus suitable for sustainable management. Minimizing the impact and achieving a green board included even the lacquer finish which is biodegradable.

The hexagonal pattern was CNC routed into the timber – increases buoyancy and reduces weight, but maintains the structural rigidity important for carving up waves.

Grobelny’s timelapse design process and use of CNC routing on dual sided compound curved surfaces.A jig is used to hold the milled side in place while the router mills out the opposite face.

Giant CNC’d Scrabble

2012-01-12T17:58:00.000-08:00

I suspect this was cut out at MITers or the ShopBot in the basement of the Media Lab, but my knowledge of the MIT CNC machines isn’t as extensive as it once was. There is pretty much unlimited coolness that can be achieved with a giant computer controlled wood router ready to do your bidding.

I also think someone laid the word RAZED on a triple word score for a total of 43 points. Not too shabby.

CNC Routing

2012-01-12T17:49:00.000-08:00

Overshadowed somewhat in recent years by laser cutting and 3D printing, CNC routing remains a fabrication technology with enormous potential. It can be used with more materials than 3D printing and creates 3D shapes more easily than laser cutting. These ten examples show this technique at its best.

A Beautiful Sign in a Beautiful Location

2012-01-09T21:04:00.000-08:00

The designers and fabricators at Sign Design and Fabrication of Dahlonega, GA are true artisans that take great pride in delivering a sign to their clients that both delights and helps the register ring! Their work can be found all over the country, including the Aloha state.

Faux Mahogany and Ash Finish Applied to Precision Board Plus

SD&F was asked to design his sign, inspired by the popular 1970′s police drama named in honor of Hawaii’s status as the 50th state. Originally, the design called for the sign to be constructed of solid Mahogany and Ash, but that proved to be cost prohibitive and these materials are becoming increasingly hard to find. Instead, Wade Parker and his crew chose the superior machining characteristics of Precision Board Plus along with a faux finish to create genuine look of fine wood they were going for.

Sign Artist David Weeks took inspiration from the image of the iconic cresting wave featured at the beginning of each episode of the long-running TV program. “Using Precision Board Plus, we split the sign into three components”, says Wade. “The top level was CNC routed in 1″ Precision Board Plus and rounded off with a quarter round bit. Both this level and the 1.5″ thick oval backboard were primed and faux finished by our artists to look like real wood. This assembly was then mounted to a custom bracket we designed. The top half of the bracket in 2″ Precision Board Plus was permanently attached to the back of the display”.

To complete the effect of the sign, which now hangs in a dimly lit lounge on the Big Island, SD&F installed LED lighting around the back perimeter. Wade and his crew at Sign Design and Fabrication take pride in offering a variety of in-house services including sandblasted signs in high density urethane (HDU) and wood, CNC v-groove routed signs, custom business logo and lobby style displays, sign shields, awards and plaques, and custom architectural monument signs. Check out their website and portfolio at www.signdesignandfabrication.com.

Using the CNC Router

2011-08-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of the CNC router at work.

Trends in Woodworking CNC Software

2011-08-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

Computer-Numerically Controlled (CNC), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software іѕ used іn thе woodworking industry tο control a machine’s movement, fοr instance a panel saw οr a router. Thе instructions fοr controlling thе machine аrе provided bу a CAD module. Thіѕ module іѕ integrated wіth control software, οr mау exist аѕ аn independent application. In today’s market high-еnd cabinet design packages аrе аblе tο communicate wіth CNC machinery. Computerized manufacturing systems typically cost thousands οf dollars. Thеу аrе generally meant fοr industrial operations. Sοmе cheaper systems hаνе appeared іn thе market recently.

Besides mill work companies аnd high-volume furniture manufacturers, novices аnd master craftsmen hаνе аlѕο embraced CNC technology. Thе number οf possibilities аnd benefits thаt CNC provides саnnοt bе ignored. Craftsmen hаνе quickly realized thаt using CNC іѕ crucial tο ensure thаt a fіnіѕhеd woodwork product іѕ οf thе highest quality.

Aѕ a case іn point, іt іѕ difficult tο produce precise-fitting assemblies using conventional tools. Hοwеνеr thеѕе саn bе easily сrеаtеd using CNC. Inlays, arches, аnd 3 Dimensional relief carvings саn bе сυt easily аnd efficiently wіth thе hеlр οf CNC technology. Time consuming designs οr designs thаt аrе tοο complex tο сrеаtе wіth traditional woodworking tools саn now bе executed wіth a grеаt degree οf precision. Assemblies fοr knock-down furniture, fοr instance аrе very time consuming аnd require several templates аnd jigs. CNC replaces physical templates wіth digital versions whісh саn bе сrеаtеd іn software. Thіѕ provides thе freedom tο try out design аnd assemblies οn a computer before actually cutting іntο thе material.

It іѕ easy tο modify a design οn thе computer аnd adjust іt tο fit, οr existing designs саn bе transformed іntο nеw products. Using thе rіght software аnd hardware, existing 2D & 3D furniture раrtѕ саn bе converted tο a digital format thаt іѕ understood bу CNC. Thе digital version οf раrtѕ саn thеn bе transformed tο produce a number οf shapes аnd sizes fοr аn original design. In thіѕ way a single furniture assembly becomes a complete furniture line!

Advantages οf CNC іn thе Woodworking Market

CNC gives manufacturers thе ability tο quickly tailor products tο suit a particular sector οf thе market thereby providing value-added services. Fοr instance a manufacturer mау produce a generic table аѕ раrt οf a furniture line selling аt a given price point. Bу simply adding a 3D relief applique tο thе table wіth minimum effort thе table саn easily bе sold fοr a premium. Wіth a lіttlе bit οf creativity, thе manufacturer саn easily provide customers wіth offerings thаt аrе elegant аnd unique, thereby adding tο thе company’s bottom line.

Thе role οf CNC іn Crafts

Many people іn crafts business аrе аlѕο taking advantage οf thе capabilities thаt CNC hаѕ tο offer. Thеу аrе using CNC tο churn out high quality products, аrе аblе tο produce better products fοr customers аnd аrе аblе tο produce unique designs thаt thеіr competitors саnnοt replicate bу hand. Even іf thе craftsman uses CNC fοr shaping materials аѕ thе initial step οr fοr unique decorative add-ons, thе value added tο thе еnd product іѕ immense. Alѕο saving time during production leaves more time fοr creativity, ѕο thаt thе next product іѕ even better thаn thе last one.

Productivity gains through software integration

Whіlе CNC offers immense benefits οn thе production side, using automation software customer needs саn bе met more easily. Thе resulting cost reduction аnd increased productivity аlѕο reflects іn a high return οn investment, through increased profitability.

Such software integrates seamlessly wіth CNC, virtually eliminating manual operations. Further, thе software іѕ easy tο learn, ѕο manufacturers see rapid increases іn productivity soon аftеr implementation.

Besides automation, using software provides a significant advantage іn tool pathing. Bу communicating wіth CAM thе software automatically applies tool pathing. Thіѕ significantly reduces thе propensity fοr errors, аnd thе inevitable time lags thаt come wіth thе errors.

Analyzer Software οf thіѕ kind саn hеlр provide information tο mаkе bar codes аnd lаbеlѕ аlѕο. On thе lаbеlѕ a printed image οf whаt thе processed раrt wіll look lіkе саn bе seen. In addition tο thе visual, thеrе аrе dimensions аѕ well. Thе advantage οf thіѕ іѕ thаt thе wrοng sized board wіll nοt bе selected tο mаkе a раrt, аnd thе CNC operator саn validate whаt thеу аrе аbουt tο rυn through thе machine, before аnу errors аrе mаdе.

Thе mονе frοm manual tο automation іn thе woodworking industry hаѕ hеlреd tremendously іn meeting customer expectations аnd improving profitability. Thе future looks even better. Aѕ more manufacturers embrace technology, thе focus wіll shift frοm thе actual production process tο сrеаtіng designs thаt аrе unique аnd hаνе a distinct personality. A perfect win-win situation fοr thе manufacturer аnd thе customer

The SOFT Rockers use enhanced fabrication techniques to curve flat wooden panels, and have solar panels

2011-05-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Developed for MIT's Festival of Art Science Technology, the SOFT Rockers use enhanced fabrication techniques to curve flat wooden panels, and have solar panels installed to charge the gadgets of those who relax within (All images courtesy of Phil Seaton)

There's nothing quite like an old rocking chair for finding your center and chilling out. Originally thought to have been developed as garden furniture, the rocker has now come full circle with the development of the SOFT Rocker by Professor Sheila Kennedy and architecture students from MIT. Installed at the Institute's Killian Court for the Festival of Art+Science+Technology (FAST), the teardrop-shaped outdoor rocking lounge chairs have solar panels over the top to provide power for up to three USB devices, and some after-dark lighting to allow the party to go on after the sun goes down

The SOFT Rockers are made from flat MDF panels which have undergone an advanced digital curving process based on the zipshape process that was originally developed in Switzerland by Christoph Schindler. A lightweight Kuka robotic arm was used to remove portions of the structurally unsound wood to form an inside surface resembling a row of teeth.

"Zipshape can, in theory, be cut from any flat-packed material, but there are reasons to cut it out of MDF and then post-veneer the surfaces, as we did", the team's Phil Seaton told Gizmag. "Basically, the 'teeth' that we cut work best when they're cut out of some grain-free and laminate-free material: cutting out of solid or plywood can cause the teeth to chip out during the cutting process. On the other hand, cutting out of MDF alone (and not veneering afterwards) risks the material not being able to handle the tension loads, and breaking in the backing (which is generally only about 2mm thick or so). We experienced many such breakages; the veneer, in our case, serves both a structural and an aesthetic purpose."

Two such panels were then interlocked and glued together to form a curved structure, and then vacuum-sealed in plastic bags. When the glue had dried, they were removed from the bags, veneer applied to both sides and then placed back in the bags. Seaton said that the team "did try veneering first, in the flat, but found the panels lost some flexibility when done in this order."

While the robot arm probably could have taken care of the intricate pattern work too, this was done using a laser cutter or 3-axis CNC router. The wooden structure was then varnished to afford it some protection from the elements, although longer term installations will probably require something a bit more robust.

Gen II flexible solar panels from Global Solar were installed over the surface of the roof to feed a 12 amp-hour battery, which in turn provides power to devices such as laptops, smartphones and even chilled drinks dispensers connected via USB.

The 35W solar tracking system is "entirely human-powered - the idea has its roots in trying to invent a kind of culture surrounding power generation," says Seaton. "Rather than envisioning electricity generation as something centralized and off-site that embodies hidden processes and hidden social and environmental costs, we're imagining a future where 'soft' and decentralized generation of small amounts of power can actually become a hub for social and cultural activity."

"The SOFT Rockers, then, are intended to employ as much human intervention in the generation of electricity as possible: the rockers are free to rotate on their bases, and are positioned horizontally using the handle on the front. When the angle is correct, the rockers provide full shade for the person sitting inside. Then, once inside, the position of one's body to higher and lower seating positions causes the solar panel to face higher or lower positions in the sky. Here, the human power of balance is used as the 'second axis' of the solar tracker. An LCD panel inside the rocker tells you how well you're doing in terms of optimizing energy production from the available solar energy."

At the end of the FAST festival, the SOFT Rockers were sent to Kennedy and Violich Architecture for "cleaning and rehabilitation." Other projects created for the festival have now been dismantled and disposed of, but such has been the interest in the SOFT Rockers that the team is now working on the next stage in development.

Test cut on CNC Router

2011-03-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

My son and I did some test cuts tonight with the router and had very good results.

We first did a 2d 'Open' sign that came with Aspire in wood, that had one thing wrong; it was mirrored. We quickly adjusted the motor settings to correct that and then we cut a 3D leaf that also came with Aspire, but we scaled it down to about 2" square to help cut the time down. It cut perfectly, so we moved on to aluminum and decided to cut another X-axis plate for the machine. We used the prism toolpaths at minimal depths and a 90º x .25Dia bit and then cut the profile out with a .093" dia endmill.

We used .125" 5052 aluminum and the machine cut great with no visible pass lines along the edges of the plate. We just used some WD-40 brushed on and did not even use an air blast so there may be some re-cutting of the chips but the toolpath finish looks good. This label is not as fancy as the brass inlayed ones I made but it will work for viewing the axis travel directions when on the other side of the machine.

I still need to clean it up an finish it.

_________________

Best regards,

Wes

wes.spence@comcast.net

Gingery Machines:

Lathe, Horiz. Mill, Shaper, Leaf Brake

Open source 5-axis CNC router

2011-03-07T06:40:00.000-08:00

This 5-axis CNC router could soon be an open source tool. [Mike Calvino] built it for the School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas. It can be used as a router or as a plasma cutter/welder. Now he’s trying to raise some money that will underwrite his time and effort to develop and release instructions, design files, and specifications to make it an open source hardware project.

It is extremely large, and in addition to the X, Y, and Z axes that you’d expect to find on CNC machinery, it can tilt and rotate the cutting tool. This is not something you’re likely to build at home. But the availability of plans would be a huge contribution toward making machine tools accessible at a relatively small price tag. It’s not hard to image universities building this as a class project. We also think it would be a perfect group project for you and your buddies over at the local Hackerspace to undertake. Check out some milling action in the clip after the break.

Inexpensive Vertical Wind Turbine

2010-12-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

You may use a computer controlled router in order to make gears,fins,case etc..

Thoughtful CNC Wood Working

2010-10-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

Pc Numerical Management or CNC machine is now an vital part of manufacturing process. Industries and woodworkers, whether it is in small or large scale, would have CNC woodworking equipment to assist them increase their production.

CNC machines are used to exchange handbook processes or work in coordination with current manufacturing processes. CNC machines are programmed to follow or to perform sure operations. An instance of a CNC machine used in woodworking is a CNC router.

Just like a typical CNC machine, the CNC wood router would use a pc software program and a CNC controller. This might create a extra accurate and exact design in comparison with these that are executed manually. A CNC router would have three directions that are known as X, Y and Z axis. Since all of the axis work collectively, they’ll create better designs and shapes.

How does the CNC wood router works? It is controlled, as mentioned by the CNC controller and the pc software. This might direct the movements of the motor to provide the design or shape. The software would have the drawing or the format in 2D or 3D picture, it might then be transformed right into a software path code like the G-code. The codes that are transformed by the computer software would then send or relay it to the CNC controller which would management the motors and drive systems.

The part of the CNC wood router which performs the actual cutting is called spindle. To classify the spindle, horse energy (in English units) and watts (SI units) are used. Spindles rotate for about 8000 to 30,000 rpm or revolutions per minute. It may reduce supplies starting from mushy to hard supplies like plastic and metals. It is controlled by the CNC controller.

The spindle is moved by the CNC linear drive system. It has the motor, bearing system and the linear screw assembly. There are two kinds of motors utilized in CNC wood router: the stepper and servo motors. Though they each offer good performance, their distinction lies on the closed loop system. The servo motor sends indicators back to the controller when the process is finished, which known as the closed loop system. This technique shouldn’t be current on the stepper.

Another part of the CNC wood router is the cutting bed. That is where the fabric that may undergo cutting is positioned and secured using bolts and clamps. There are different cutting bed designs, the most popular can be the T-slot and the vacuum table. The effectivity of the cutting bed could be based on what kinds of supplies and reduce are made. For instance, T-slot cutting bed may hold different sorts and sizes of supplies, but they are not ideal for velocity cutting.

There are extra options which could possibly be based mostly on the models of the wood router. Some would have vacuum pump that may secure the supplies routed, print-to-reduce cameras which would guarantee precision, and other excessive-end options which can increase productivity and quality.

The nice thing with CNC woodworking equipment like the wood router is that it doesn’t require a lot supervision as soon as the machine and the method are already programmed. CNC wood routers may guarantee uniformed and high quality merchandise, so long as the machine is correctly regulated, maintained and operated.

Nigel has been writing articles on-line for nearly 6 years now. Not solely does this author specialise in Cnc Woodworking,

Visual Windchime

2010-10-12T22:41:00.000-07:00

The holes in the wood have been cut out by a computer numerically controlled machine (CNC router) and all the lights are complete. It's now a matter of assembly and some more touching up.

MArk's students works on CNC router

2010-10-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

Mark is an industrial shop teacher and above are some of the projects that Mark's students did on the CNC Machine.

Amana Tool Announces Mirror Finish Solid Carbide Spiral “O” Flute Router Bits for Cutting Plastic and Aluminum Materials

2010-10-12T02:43:00.000-07:00

Amana Tool, manufacturers of industrial-quality carbide-tipped, solid carbide and replacement carbide cutting tools, today announced new solid carbide spiral “O” flute router bits with mirror finish for producing clean, smooth cuts in plastic and aluminum materials. The bits are made according to strict tolerances from an exclusive carbide grade and polished to a mirror finish using Amana’s unique process. The two popular lines of router bits, designed to eject chips either up or down, are ideal for industrial applications and CNC systems.

Amana’s spiral plastic cutting solid carbide O-flute mirror finish router bits are designed for use in acrylic materials such as Plexiglas® and Lucite®, nylon, ABS, PE, acetal, PET, HDPE, UHMW, polycarbonates, polypropylene, wood and solid surface. The aluminum cutting solid carbide O-flute mirror finish router bits provide superior cutting results in aluminum, brass, copper and other non-ferrous metals. Available in diameters ranging from 1/8” to 1/4″, the bits are designed with either a right-hand Helix (1/4” plastic #51404; 1/4” aluminum #51402), which is designed to eject the chips upward, or a left-hand Helix (1/4” plastic #51504; 1/4” aluminum #51502) designed to eject the chips downward.

“Our spiral ‘O’ flute router bits are manufactured using innovative techniques and materials that yield superior results with each cut and help make plastic and aluminum projects less labor-intensive,” said Amana Tool technical director, Frank Misiti.
For more information on Amana’s entire line of router bits for plastic and aluminum materials, visit CuttingToolsChicago.com.

glass panel foam form

2010-10-12T02:40:00.000-07:00

Matt started work on a form to make a curved glass panel yesterday. We are going to try and slump glass in the kiln. We cranked up the cnc router to 130ipm so that it could fly through the foam. It's supposed to be able to cut at 150ipm. It was having no difficulty and the motors weren't strained at all. We made a mold box around the final form last night and mixed up some hydra-cal and silica to pour in over it. Everything looks good this morning and Matt should be able to pull the sides off the mold box, flip the form over and evacuate the foam. Then we just to let the mold dry and then we can get some glass.

Why CNC Woodworking Machines Are All Different

2010-10-12T01:45:00.000-07:00

CNC woodworking equipment makes manufacturing wood products faster and as accurate as possible. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines operate established on the design instruction given by the CAD module. CNC machines use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software to control the movements of the motor or the machine.

CNC machines are not just routers, there are likewise borers, tenoners, and saws. All of these CNC equipments would coordinate with a computer and a software. CNC machines might be developed to handle softer or more difficult materials. There are various kinds of CNC woodworking machines. Categorization could be founded on machine’s features and their functions. Here are several types of CNC timber routers.

Industrial CNC timber router

There are various types of CNC routers, the first one is the industrial CNC router. It is about 80 % of the routers released and being used. It is mostly used by industries and various woodwork businesses like furniture producers.

They are considered the most expensive of CNC routers and in addition the largest. Their common features would include fast cutting, automatic tool changers, vacuum table with T-slot bedding, dust collector systems, spindles and user interface.

Midrange CNC router

The midrange CNC routers are oftentimes made of the same components as the industrial CNC routers. Midrange CNC routers are oftentimes a favourite among fans and small scale businesses. Even though it is smaller, it can still have the power of a full production CNC router.

Hobby CNC router

The Hobby CNC router, which is homemade, is designed and built by the owner. It is unique since it is based on the needs, models, available parts and budget of the owner. It can be simply placed on counters and table tops. Most fans would prefer having an interest CNC router likened to acquiring midrange or industrial router.

Hobby CNC router is inexpensive compared with the industrial router. There are three types of hobby routers. You could do it on your own or you could buy a kit or plan which would serve as a guide when building your hobby router.

Specialty routers

There are also CNC routers which are dedicated on special designs, they are called specialty CNC routers. Samples of specialty routers are engraving machines, 3D engraving machines and PCB routers. The PCB router is used to produce circuit boards.

Several CNC features can include having separate heads. CNC machines that have multiple heads imply there may be two programs running but it is controlled with one user interface. Another feature would be the dust collection, where the wood chips are sucked up and collected.

There are different CNC machines and not every one of these machines are employed in woodworking alone. There are some which can be used in both metal and plastic materials.

Although possibly expensive, some say that this could be best woodworking equipment that could be added to a company. The cash spent on securing the CNC woodworking equipment maybe replaced by faster production process, maximization of production, quality and nearly exact output, and customer satisfaction.

This information was brought to you by Cabin Furniture and Log Furniture.

New Tangential Knife System Boosts Print to Cut Applications

2010-10-12T01:41:00.000-07:00

A new tangential knife head is now available which significantly enhances the material processing capabilities of all AXYZ machines. It can be mounted alongside a heavy duty router and the oscillating knife unit could be used on a third head if required.
Fully compatible with the ICS camera registration system which is powered by I-~Cut, the new tangential knife can be used on a wide range of materials from fomex, foam core, and card stock through to heavy corrugated cardboard and plastic sheets.
This new knife system is optimised to work with the new A2MC machine control system and offers considerably faster cutting than previous units.
A selection of easily interchangeable blade cartridges allow ultimate versatility for using creasing wheels and 45 degree blades as well as the more standard vertical blades, heavy duty saber blade, 'pizza' wheel cutter and more.
Now, no matter what substrates you are printing on, be it 10mm acrylic, 25mm MDF or just fomex or card, you can use your AXYZ router for all finishing operations and achieve precision cutting with excellent edge quality.

For more details :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

visit : www.rpmtools.in
mail : support@cncrouter.in

CNC router to make Guitar - World’s First Serviced Archtop Guitar Kit

2010-10-12T01:33:00.000-07:00

Fernando Alonso Jaén, a Spanish guitar designer, has created the world’s first “serviced” archtop guitar kit — a kit where complex wood tooling is done by the manufacturer to simplify the buyer’s task. As a small operation, “creating the wood parts with complex contours required for the guitar would have been impossible,” Jaén said. Using a CNC router he was able to do it.

World’s First Serviced Archtop Guitar Kit

The archtop jazz guitar (also called a jazzbox, cello guitar and plectrum guitar) is a steel string acoustic guitar with a big soundbox somewhat like a cello; it is usually electrified.

“Despite the growing popularity of archtop guitars, no one has ever tried to make a serviced archtop guitar kit before,” says Jaen. “I have had to overcome many obstacles along the way but the biggest was reproducing the many complex geometries involved.”

Conventional woodworking would have required lots of hired hands. “The cost would have probably been more than the market could bear,” says Jaen, and it “also would not have achieved an acceptable level of accuracy.”

Computer numerical control (CNC) machining provided the answer. “All the available CNC machines that I saw here in Spain were too big,” Jaén said. Others were either too smaller or large. “I found the exact size and style of machine I was looking for in Techno’s LC series,” he adds.

Jaen used RhinoCAM software for both the CAD and CAM tasks — to design the archtop guitar kit and to create the CNC program. The kit includes the top with braces carved in it and the f-holes and pickup already cut out. “Carving the braces is feasible only with a CNC router,” Jaén says. “This relieves the maker of a difficult job — adjusting two wooden bars to the curvature of the top so that when they are glued the glue line is almost invisible.”

Quarter-Sawn Spruce and Maple

Spruce wood, light, stiff and quarter-sawn through the center axis of the tree, is used for the top of the guitar. Quarter sawing produces wedges, two of which are glued along their thicker sides. “A good top must have compact wood growth rings,” Jaén says. “The closer the rings are, the stiffer the top.” The back of the guitar is curly maple, also quarter sawn to better display the back’s curl and provide greater stiffness.

“The back in a serviced kit must be delivered in the final shape,” says Jaén. He bent the sides using a machine he designed and built with the CNC router. “Curly maple is one of the hardest woods to bend but this machine handles it easily. I couldn’t have made the machine without the CNC router.”

CNC Carves Out New Life for Old Doors

2010-08-26T02:44:00.000-07:00

From Emerald City (that’d be Seattle, WA) comes this interesting use of digital manufacturing technology to give a new lease on life to reclaimed timber doors.
Husband and wife team Jonah and Mackenzie Griffith together form Object Creative, a design house that specialises in bringing humour and simplicity to fully functional design.
The reDoor project takes traditional domestic doors that have been reclaimed through salvage, and extends their lifecycle. The magic happens when a CNC router is used to cut designs and patterns into the wooden doors. A little lacquer and a lick of paint later, and you have a portal that is sure to be the envy of all your neighbours.

The majority of film-set components for the movie ‘AVATAR’, shot in Miramar Studios, were produced on CNC Routers

2010-08-21T03:58:00.000-07:00

Two router cutting machines are fully programmable to output 2D profile cutting and routing - milling 3D forms.

As a profile cutter these machines can replace traditional workshop tools such as band or bench saws, producing very accurate and mass produced pieces.

These Three Axis Router Machines have working sizes of:
2500L x 1300W x 200H mm
3000L x 1500W x 200H mm

We offer creation of files services or can translate existing digital files.
Our ( http://www.humandynamo.co.nz ) standard in house software is Rhino 4 which will interpret most 3D files.
The majority of film-set components for the movie ‘AVATAR’shot in Miramar Studios, were produced on our router cutters. We interpreted the 3D files supplied from the designers, to create the many different film set components for the movie. The CNC's cut very quickly, accurately and economically.

guitar blanks

2010-08-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

material: a 1/4″ sheet of cheapo plywood

the measurements and everything looked pretty good.

Sign Magic CNC Router Work Shop

2010-08-09T23:34:00.000-07:00

Six folks travelled from far and wide to attend our eighth Sign Magic Workshop. The ball got rolling fast late Thursday afternoon when they gathered for an informal meet and greet. We went for supper at a local diner and talk quickly turned to routers, dimensional signs and how to make them. This crew was eager to learn all they could. After supper we walked back to the shop and the learning commenced - before the workshop officially began Friday morning. We didn't break up until 11:00 pm that first day. And so it would go all weekend long.

The days were long and the learning intense... we had a lot of ground to cover in three short days. We talked of design, how to build three dimensional routing files and of course fired up the MultiCam to show how our creations would look in real life. Our MultiCam got a good workout.

We also spent long hours learning how to finish our many samples. The skill level of this group was high. they also demonstrated a passion to learn and took things as far as they possibly could in the time they had. We laughed, we talked, we learned and shared 'secrets' of how to do the things we do until the time was up. Some great projects were completed by the students.

I look forward to seeing some great things from these folks in the future!

CNC Router can be used to frame a car !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-18T18:03:00.001-07:00

check this out....

CNC Router and Art CAM

2010-05-28T00:36:00.000-07:00

It was incorporated the CNC router and ArtCAM to make the cherry leaves on the low left and right sides of the cabinet as well as the internal drawer fronts with the weave carving.

A beautiful metal iPhone case manufactured out of brass or aluminum.

2010-03-03T00:10:00.000-08:00

The cases are made by artists with real skills and a CNC router in Brooklyn – in this economy that’s a good thing.

The wooden insert makes the case! Rock on iPhone fetish!

Chocolate Pilcrow

2010-03-02T23:27:00.000-08:00

Graphic designer Fabio Bartali had the idea to make a chocolate pilcrow. With a few sketches, he came to the CabFabLab to figure out the best way to bring his project to life.
Thier intern Sjors helped Fabio design a 3D model in SolidWorks. They then assisted Fabio in working with the CNC router to machine the positive mold for the silicone resin. This mold was used to create a negative silicone mold to produce the chocolate character.
Fabio sent the chocolate pilcrow to his clients as a holiday gift. This project was partly inspired by Hans Wisbrun’s ChocoPi project.

Fabio’s original sketch of the mold.

The rendered 3D model of the pilcrow mold in SolidWorks

.

The finishing pass on the CNC router.

Pouring silicone into the master mold.

Liquid white chocolate solidifying inside the silicone molds.

The end product: plenty of chocolate pilcrows in 3 different types of chocolate!

Acrylic Cribbage Board

2010-03-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

MDRoehl

This was a gift this Christmas to my Father. His initials are JR obviously that is why the board is designed that way. It is made from 1” thick acrylic (expensive stuff). I had a hard time laying out the holes so that they would flow well, thank goodness for AutoCAD. I used the CNC Router to get such precise hole alignment and depth. The only draw-back was that speed at which the drill was spinning was too fast making the holes not too clean (as seen in the pictures. Since the pictures were taken I was a black sharpie to color the lines black. It really makes the lines stand out more. The holes in the middle of the R and J are for scoring. I routed the edges with a 1/8” radius bit and had to drill the vertical holes in the top for storage of the pegs. I polished it with steel wool after I had sanded it all way with 320.

When machining this piece on the CNC out of a blank, with an up cut bit, near the end of the machining process the piece broke suction and lifted off the table and exploded on the table of the CNC, so in turn I had to get a new blank and screw it down to the table to ensure that it didn’t come off the table. That happened on the 24th of December so needless to say I gave him the broken one and machined a new one two weeks later.

Transfer cutting board: You can make one yourself on a CNC Router

2010-03-02T22:55:00.000-08:00

When preparing food it’s unavoidable to get messy all over your kitchen island/table but the Transfer cutting board by designers Chris & Ruby promises to turn even the noobiest chef wannabe into a little Jamie Oliver.

Its simple and clever design helps you move chopped food to a single plate quickly and by making it environmentally friendly (solid beech which has been oiled with biological linseed oil) you have a winner that can really get into every kitchen around the world. Yes, little green objects add up to big environmental effects and any object that go green is one more victory for the planet.

Produced in Berlin, Germany by the already mentioned designers Chris & Ruby, the Transfer chopping board isn’t yet priced or available but we’re keeping our eyes open for the news.

Or you can make one yourself on a CNC router and post an instructable of it. Anyway the designers were quite brilliant with this idea.

Dimensional Sign cut from CNC router

2010-02-16T23:41:00.001-08:00

Just carved this horse with CNC Router

2010-02-16T23:34:00.000-08:00

The CNC router is an amazing machine! I work on the image using my computer and it does the carving. I haven't decided what color finish I'll use on this yet.
A lot of my completed artwork is now available in a Western store in Porter, TX called White Horse Western Trading Company.

Posted by Randy

scope for cnc routing - a table design

2010-02-16T23:32:00.000-08:00

Designer Julian Kyhl obviously holds a kindship with the earth-friendly lumberjack because this table is one that makes a dude appreciate the fine excellence of a hunk of wood. FSC certified!

4 identical legs, 2 identical crossbars, 2 identical mid-section planks, and 2 identical outer planks. That’s what’s here! And all of these pieces come naturalistic – no glue, no lamination, no screws, no nails.

spaces inter/section

2010-02-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

Canadian Architects Campos Leckie Studio shared with us this recent installation for an Exhibition for the 2010 Cultural Olympiad in Vancouver.

exploded axo

Consistent with the exhibition theme of Canadian innovation in design, inter/section demonstrates the potential of contemporary wood fabrication technologies to generate formal variation from standardized wood construction materials within the constraints of material efficiency, ease of assembly/disassembly, and adaptive reuse.

The form of inter/section structures the relationship between the viewer, the exhibition objects, and associated graphic information while specific sections respond to the particular placement and spatial dimensions of each of the objects.

All components in the assembly are joined through interlocking friction connections without the use of fasteners or adhesives. The installation is created using 172 sheets of plywood that were cut using a 3-axis CNC (computer numerically controlled) router. The 288 vertical planes are paired and cut from 144 sheet of plywood. The remaining 28 sheets are used for interlocking horizontal pieces that shape this particular installation.

floor plan

Developed to be reconfigured in other spaces inter/section employs a standardized placement of interlocking connection slots on the vertical sections. These create a system with a high degree of flexibility that allows the overall reconfiguration of the installation while maintaining the specificity inherent in the vertical sections. The entire assembly can be packaged to fit within a volume of 4’-0” x 8’-0” x 7’-0”.

Oregon bike builder crafts frames from wood using CNC Router

2010-02-16T09:38:00.001-08:00

Bikes have been around for quite a long time but every now and then bike technology takes a leap.
Ken Wheeler of Portland, Ore, has led his bicycle company in a new direction and that direction is hardwood.

Ken in front of the bamboo fixed gear and several showroom frames.

A complex joint in the rear triangle of a bike; as strong as it is beautiful.

Originally a wood boat and airplane craftsman from Seattle, Ken decided to launch a new career in bicycle crafting after a venture with an old friend dried up.

Before getting into bike building, Ken was a boat builder and airplane designer. The plane in the frame is one he designed.
Ken realized that his passion for design, building, and cyclery could give him an edge.
After some intense research and many late nights Ken realized that he didn’t want to use conventional materials; he wanted to instill in bikes the same sort of craft and artistic eye that went into wood boat making.

Every customer gets to pick the sort of wood that they want to come alive in their bike.

In order to craft bikes these wooden bikes the way that he wanted he had to go out on a limb and invest in a CNC router and that’s exactly what he did.

The enormous CNC router takes up much of the shop space but also accomplishes much of the work.

Sarah, head woodworker and sander extraordinaire looks over some recent templates for frames.
Renovo bikes are different from the antique wooden bikes that people may think of. The old way of building a bike out of wood was to create solid shafts of the material. Not only was this extremely heavy and ungainly but it wasn’t very strong.
Ken decided that instead he would create designs that cored out pieces of solid wood to create hollow forms. All Renovo bikes are constructed out of two cored out pieces of solid wood, which gives them a hollow core, just like any other bike. This structure makes the bikes extremely light, quiet, and exceptionally strong.

The original chunk of wood (on the right) as opposed to the form after the CNC router is done with it (on the left).
Ken does all the design himself but he has found such a market for his wooden bikes in Portland, and even all over the world, that he is expanding his employee base and expects to keep growing and designing for years to come.

Renovo bikes uses airplane grade epoxy to bind the two halves of the frame together. After this process is complete bikes are still tested for strength.

One of Renovo’s best selling bikes is the simple and affordable bamboo fixed gear bike.

A bike waits in the painting bay for it’s layer of glossy clear coat paint.

Renovo remains relaxed even though the processes are exacting. A shop dog and cat wander around freely.

Empty buckets of epoxy litter a worktable.

All extra wood pieces are retained for the future.

A close up of one of the show room frames. Each and every one is meticulously constructed.

Ken in the sanding room.

All error messages coming from the router are in French, Ken laughs, it’s definitely learn as you go.

A couple bits for the router; small but extremely expensive.

Sarah checks over a frame that she is refinishing.

There is always sanding to do at the shop.

Measurement calipers litter the shop.

One of the darker wood frames in the showroom, this completed bike may be sold for upwards of $5,000.

Your imagination is the limit of CNC Router capability

2010-02-16T01:25:00.000-08:00

camera prototype

2010-02-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

Japanese Furniture

2010-02-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

Axel chair

2010-02-15T11:16:00.000-08:00

Axel by Alexander Gufler. The idea for this chair sprang from a notion of combining traditional furniture construction with CNC router technology. The Axel chair is made in solid maple. The steam bent seat and backrest are shaped using CNC technology and are then put together with the arms and legs to create the finished chair.

wooden clock making

2010-02-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

It was inspired by the recent documentary on Kit Williams to look into wooden clock making. Also, I thought it would be an excellent test of the CNC router I built over Christmas.

So after a week of learning about ramping, lead in and out, cutting paths and other engineering type stuff I finally got all the parts together to start assembling my clock.

(The basement is currently swamped with sawdust, and failed gears…)

There are lots of plans for clocks out there, but in the end I went with one of the Brian Law designs.

At the moment the post holes I cut do not line up with the gears, so I need to rework them….

I finally got some good carbide end mill bits for my gantry router – seriously don’t wast your time with the Dremel cutting bits, they just heat up and burn the material you are cutting. I bought some 1/8″ 2 flute spiral end mills. The cutting is really clean now – and no scorching.

This is a 60 tooth gear for the clock I’m building. I always told myself that the first thing I would build if I got a CNC router would be a clock….

by steve

Installing Signs

2010-02-15T08:39:00.000-08:00

The letters out of 3/8" thick aluminum cut on CNC router. Holes were drilled and tapped in the back for the studs. Then the letters received a clear coat of polyurethane paint and a hanging pattern was made.

The studs are 2" pieces of threaded rod and the spacers are 1/4" thick plastic that we also cut on the router.

“Brainwave Sofa”

2010-01-19T00:34:00.001-08:00

It’s either the ultimate in couch comfort or a totally bizarre idea dreamed up by a pair of designers obsessed with neuroscience. Either way, the “Brainwave Sofa” is clearly a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture.

The couch’s lumpy, bumpy shape is a three-dimensional version of a brain scan, specifically a three-second recording of designer Lucas Maassen’s alpha brain waves as he closed his eyes and thought of the word “comfort.” Data from the electroencephalograph was processed by BioExplorer, a 3-D visualization program, and then fed directly into a milling machine that cut the shape out of soft foam.

“The process is a wink to a rather futuristic design process,” the couch creators wrote in a press release, “for which a designer merely has to close his or her eyes, or merely rest, to have the brain do all the work, and create the data needed to have the CNC machine cut the shape of the sofa.”

The x-axis of the couch represents Maassen’s brain waves in hertz, while the y-axis shows the amount of alpha activity as a percentage, and the z-axis is the time in milliseconds. Once the foam core of the sofa was completed, the designers covered it by hand in soft gray felt and decorated the valleys of the brain waves with buttons.

Great Carving !!!

2010-01-11T23:33:00.000-08:00

Did a little test carving with the CNC router. About 6” diameter, in birch. The 3D model is just a sample included with the software. Carved with a 1/16” ballnose spiral router bit.

-- Gerry

Customised Acrylic Sign Boards

2010-01-11T23:24:00.000-08:00

Global Solutions has expertise in manufacturing and supplying of a wide range of acrylic sign boards also known as ACP Boards with CNC router cut 12mm acrylic letters, which can be designed by our experts in various texts, colors and pictures as per the specifications laid down by our clients.
Our designers can create the designs on acrylic sign boards as per the latest market trends, providing them an attractive look boosting the business image. We use super grade materials to manufacture Acrylic Sign Boards.
They are available alphabetic and numeric order. Our Acrylic Sign Boards are water and rust proof.

http://globalsolution.in

CNC Router : the benches

2010-01-11T23:16:00.000-08:00

Its a clock !!!!

2010-01-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

Based around a simple principal: throw something gooey at the wall, it splats, thus you get a form which happens to be tailored to hold a clock as well, SPLAT! clock also addresses ongoing interest of treating materials as they may not normally be thought of as capable of being treated in such a way. This time, it's wood as plastic. Wood as plastic may be accomplished a few ways, but this one is directly tool related. the 3-axis CNC router can generate as gooey of surface as you desire out of solid material. The material is layered poplar.

Puddle Duck Molds

2010-01-05T02:47:00.000-08:00

The molds for the Puddle Duck were cut on a ShopBot CNC Router out of 3/4 MDF. Shown are one half of the molds, the mold for station 4 and the stem. The puddle duck is symmetrical so the molds for stations 1 &7, 2 & 6, 3 & 5 and the stems are the same. The clamping strips have been attached to the molds, so with a little sanding to clean up the edges the molds are ready to go. Clear packing tape will be put on the edges of the molds to keep the strips for sticking to them.

A shelf made on CNC Router

2010-01-05T02:38:00.000-08:00

For a commercial space, a shelf made for a specific line of hair care products. Made as a display for one of each type of product. This was made using the CNC router.

Materials: MDF

Innovative use of CNC ‘digital joints'

2010-01-05T00:45:00.000-08:00

Panels 02 & 03 by Paris based sebastien wierinck will be shown at salone Satellite with the 101pct Designed in Brussels selection. The interesting thing about this work that sets it apart from much of the flat pack furniture in the field is the use of CNC specific construction joints, rather than emulating standard joinery or basic slots.
As CNC cabinetry becomes more accessible we will see some otherwise impossible (or at least really really difficult) digital wood joints being shared on the web.

Flexible Stream, is sharing 50 digital wood joints including the actual files needed, along with a PDF of instructions, and examples of use, all under a Creative Commons, Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported licence.

The digital wood joints were developed in the course of several years of reserch at the C…Lab of the Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach, a project headed by Prof. Jochen Gros and Designer Friedrich Sulzer. The result of this research are 50 digital wood joints, devided into frame joints, board joints and carcass joints. These wood joints are meant to inspire you, so that you will experiment and use them for your projects or develop your own digital woodjoints. They provide each wood joint in various data formats. Download the complete package (49MB) and you get them all including a PDF-Guide and suggestions for use. Or download only 4 examples and seperatly the instructions for these examples.

Present a joint concept like this to your local cabinetmaker and they will either ask why, curse you or both.. Prof. Jochen Gros and co. are also keen to see your modifications and pictures of implementation.

Flexible Stream is a source for free Design. Professional designers (including Ronen Kadushin) are offering samples of their skills for your convenience. It is totally free! Please download the construction files without any charge to build or let built this product. Many production methods can be applied: Rapid manufacturing (Rapid Prototyping, 3D-Print), CNC supported Milling, laser cutting, water jet cutting. Some product though can be done just with a pair of scissors made from paper or made with a jigsaw using wood.

“Digital Carpentry & CNC Router Aesthetics”

2010-01-05T00:31:00.000-08:00

In a recent article in Make Magazine Volume 11 entitled Router Aesthetics, Bruce Sterling discusses the current wave of designs that are emerging that come straight from the CNC router, without any pretense to represent traditional carpentry methods of construction. The honesty of construction being essential to realizing the design with its layered, slots and tabs being compared favorably to 8-bit game graphics. The 90’s fascination with the ‘blobject’ giving way to an edgier, planar design aesthetic.

Using the CNC in a pure way means thinking of it as a completely different tool to a panel saw, tenon saw, drill, spindle molder whatever and using it for what it is. We previously mentioned on the Ponoko blog the project by Flexible Stream, where they are sharing 50 digital wood joints including the actual files needed, along with a PDF of instructions, and examples of use, all under a Creative Commons, Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported licence.

The fact Prof. Jochen Gros and Designer Friedrich Sulzer are sharing these techniques is another movement away from the pre-industrial concepts of keeping a trade secret, to stop outsiders/amateurs from making their own. Now as the CNC process becomes more accessible via 100k Garages and similar initiatives, sharing this information with ‘amateurs’ becomes all the more empowering. The aesthetic that is generated should quickly become more fractured and diverse, along with the complexity of construction techniques (and software) used.

I think this is one of the most exciting products of the democratization of the tools of design, diversity. If we want the same product aesthetic all around the western world we can go to Ikea.

If we want originality, diversity and innovation, let’s unleash the tools of manufacture.

oh yeah, is Bruce’s (C)lamp influenced by, or an influencer of Router Aesthetics??

Cool CNC-friendly desk lamp design

2009-12-31T01:09:00.000-08:00

Pedro Mealha was inspired by those 3D plywood dinosaur kits when he designed this lamp, called rhizome, the armature of which is a great example of the emerging "router aesthetics"

A family crest gift created on CNC router.

2009-12-31T00:08:00.000-08:00

For over 13 years, Agee Woodworks has provided woodworking services from thier shop in Ashland, Virginia. The same quality and experience they employ to craft thier custom wood fireplaces is put to use with thier CNC routing services.

Working with wood, nonferrous metals, and plastics, CNC router is able to provide:

Accuracy & detail ,Speed ,Repetitive cuts ,

CNC Router Services work well for:Large production jobs for companies looking for repetitive cuts. OCNC router allows to program your job and keep it on file.

Small jobs and one offs for clients with custom CNC woodworking projects.

Individual jobs like custom house signs and cabinet routing. Getting Started is Easy : Call toll free at 877-768-3678 to talk with them about your project. Or you can email directly at stuart@ageewoodworks.com.

CNC - First Cut

2009-12-20T03:02:00.000-08:00

by Mike Galt in www.mickgalt.blogspot.com
I've made the first actual cut with the CNC router, actually cutting this time and not just with a pen.

I took a 2mm cut into pine with a V bit and it went pretty well, I thought play I have in my Y axis rails would produce a poor cut but it turned out ok.
The cut was just one of the demo programs in EMC2.

Elements of Nature at Design

2009-12-20T02:48:00.000-08:00

by Ivan Adelson

As this final idea progessed, we became more and more interested in developing a system to emulate a natural biological experience. The design was supposed to incorporate elements of the built environment we all know and love, as well as elements of a natural biological experience beginning to emerge through this built up world. The structure plays the role of the built environment, and the acrylic sheeting emulates an amoeba like form which could be experienced under a microscope. Here are some concept drawings done by Dave and I:

Dave and I were in charge of creating the form. We used Digital Project to help create a more sound and coherent design by setting up parameters to work within, as well as using them to our advantage. The overall design was to be 6feet tall by 8feet wide, with the potential to swing forward and backwards to agitate the IV bags of bioluminescent algae. In order to fabricate the 1/4" acrylic purchased for these sections I got to learn how to use the CNC router, which was very exciting. The University has a fantastic fabrication lab, and I was glad to be able to utilize it for a project of my own. Here are some fabrication images of the acrylic:\

Courtesy::http://ivansmartsurfaces.blogspot.com

CNC MARKER

2009-12-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

Extract from www.projectione.com

This is a prototypical process growing out of our previous experiment CNC Pen, combining precision digital tools with loose analog tools. This method has been further developed as a study of the relationship between these tools. The process includes translating a raster image file into vector format, separated into various color levels. These vectors are then turned into surfaces and translated into g-code for the router. In this instance we have used a 3-axis CNC router to drive 12 Copic Ciao markers on museum board. The precision of the machine is offset by the bleed of the marker and the porous nature of the board. Feed rate and Z values relate directly to speed and pressure of the hand. The image chosen is of the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence Italy from our time there this summer, specifically for its character and color. The nature of this technique and of the place seemed to align. While a certain level of precision is maintained through this process, the inevitable inconsistencies of markering transform the product into something looser. This close relationship between the digital and analog and the innovative use of these tools grows directly from our design platforms.

The product took over 12 hours of file prep and 16 hours of machine time (with testing), embodying our feelings on efficiency. The result was not created faster than a hand rendering, nor does it appear to be machined. The method allows for a new way of making. Repetition and customization are provided for in the process, as well as a dialogue between digital and hand craft. We are happy with this result and look forward to pursuing the next step. For us this piece represents the very important first step in the process.

In an attempt to begin understanding the marketing of our process and design thinking, we have decided to market and sell this outcome. The hope is that the documentation and representation of process will allow a consumer to understand its making, becoming less concerned on only the outcome. The product gains value through its process of making.

http://www.projectione.com/cnc-marker/

Digitally Fabricated Housing

2009-11-26T22:02:00.000-08:00

A 196-square-foot one-room house intended for use in post-Katrina reconstruction. This prototype, built for an exhibition at MoMA, is constructed entirely from sheets of plywood cut on a PRSAlpha CNC Router and assembled using only a mallet.

The Shopbot PRSAlpha can be used to cut wooden and plastic sheets and posts; it has a wide range of uses for professionals and enthusiasts, architects, carpenters, interior decorators, and more. Here are some examples of popular types of Shopbot projects:

What if you need to cut steel or aluminum?

2009-11-26T21:45:00.000-08:00

The computer-controlled TorchMate cuts steel and aluminum sheet and tube intricately and with extreme precision.

You can use it to make custom exterior pieces like this seahorse gate

Or to create custom bicycle parts, such as this sprocket for a BMX bike

Pattern for Aluminium Casting

2009-11-26T21:26:00.000-08:00

cutting an MDF pattern for aluminum casting on my cnc router

www.russellanderson.com.au

CNC Router for boat building

2009-11-26T21:19:00.000-08:00

the hull panels were cut with a CNC router

PERSPEX LETTERING

2009-11-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

cnc router can be used to cut it in any shape

CNC Routing Machines:-Best Product at Homag-india

2009-11-11T23:28:00.000-08:00

A CNC wood router is something that every company needs a wide range of products of wood to work. The significance of this router is using a computer numerical control, to cut wood. This means that all you have to do is create and make them do the job. Typically, these projects will be easy to do if you buy the software. A good modern CNC machine base of both plasma and oxyfuel cutting. Improvements on a cutter base can exist with the possibility of other tasks, functions as:

Spotting holes for drilling

Drilling aluminum

The cut of a shape on the sides or bottom of the tubes

Wooden forms routing.

Other changes in modern CNC machine can be addressed with the installation of equipment for laser and water jet technology. The machine CNC routing can perform milling drilling engraving. Mostly used for work in granite wood acrylic. This machine is true three-dimensional numerical control machines. Enter the most ideal for training purposes can be difficult, as well as strong industrial demand. A compact machine tools for precision drilling / milling / engraving, etc.

The selection of modern CNC machines will be primarily through the method of cutting to be performed are determined by the operator of the machine. For some operations, you need to do only very trim. For other operations, the cutting machine to perform bevel cuts. Bevel cutting, the operator can cut, cut, shave, it seems, and the material in the pot. Both types of cut is subject to modern CNC machine for a fair amount of wear. The manufacturer must, therefore, a machine with adequate support to customers for purchase. This support should include the availability of spare parts. The lack of spare parts may require that the electronics are subject to a modern CNC machine retrofit.

In general, numerical control milling machines can be used to make plans for small or large depending on the size of the machine. The CNC wood router can use different ways to cut work together on what you want to cut. Some of the uses that people have used a CNC wood router, includes the manufacturing of furniture with intricate patterns and designs, curve and smooth corners on wood, make different designs in wood, or for cutting dados. The instrument is very versatile and flexible.

It 'easy, by a CNC router wood as a tool that is used only to cut and shape, but you can do many things to think about. In fact, you are limited only by your imagination, what it does. If there is a history book with the tool, we realize that does many things, and saves time and money.

There are a number of projects you can do with your router wood lathe. Here are some ideas:

Decide the manufacture of furniture – many people use a CNC router to make a series of furniture from tables, benches and chairs. Love to make elaborate drawings and designs in wood and the router helps them so easily. Many like to work with the oak or their materials.

Doll furniture – some children still play with doll houses and sometimes routers can be used for dollhouses, depending on the bit that you use. This is an easy way to do something for your children and use your wood router.

Toys – there are a number of projects with a toy wooden CNC router to do. You can Stones and checker boards, chess games developed, game pieces for all types of games. These projects are limited only by your imagination.

To find out more information, please go to our website www. Homag India. com

Kurt/NEMI work holding system

2009-11-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

Kurt/NEMI has announced an automated vacuum work holding system for wood product manufacturing applications.

This system includes a full line of modular components for holding, positioning and repositioning unfinished wood parts in the automated CNC production of doors, cabinets, fine wood furniture and similar wood products.

The product features grid system tables in standard and custom made sizes that form the mounting system for a flexible work holding system.

Suitable for use on CNC routers, the product together with an integrated robot provides 3-axis capability in a moving gantry CNC router system. It is designed to work with a variety of single and multi-spindle setups for high volume part production.

Setups can be configured to handle any wood design and dimension on the grid system table. Using positioning pods, chucks and locating pins, these setups have the advantages of a dedicated fixture with flexibility for reconfiguring the components to handle various size parts and for use on other jobs.

http://www.kurtworkholding.com

Some of the projects on CNC router

2009-11-11T21:55:00.000-08:00

Some of the projects on CNC router..

Calgary Kitchen Manufacturer “Builds” on Technology

2009-11-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

Calgary, Alberta – Signature Kitchen Builder President James Agnew announced today that the company has purchased a brand new CNC Router for the kitchen manufacturing department of the company. The CNC Router is a computerized precision drilling router that will speed up production time by up to five times the normal speed. “We are excited about this acquisition, the new router automates our drilling, and offers more exactitude and flexibility in our product” commented Agnew.

There are two distinct benefits for clients: For the consumer, Signature Kitchen Builders will have the ability to be even more creative with their customizations, adding unique features such as customized curves. For the commercial client, manufacturing production times will speed up even more, allowing for kitchens to be produced and distributed in perfect condition, and on time to meet tight deadlines. The new CNC Router is set to be in full operational mode from November 1st, 2009.

About Signature Kitchen Builders Inc:

Signature Kitchen Builders Inc. is a manufacturer and distributer of quality residential cabinetry across Southern Alberta. We build cabinetry to your specifications that will meet your needs and reflect your lifestyle. With over 25 years of experience in the kitchen industry, Signature Kitchen Builders continues to provide professional and superior service that you can rely on! For more information on our Signature Kitchen Builders, please visit our website at www(dot)signaturekitchenbuilders(dot)com

For more information about this News Release please contact New Wave Public Relations at (403) 980-5847 or info(at)new-wavepr(dot)com.

Elliptical rocking chair

2009-11-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

Unlike other mechanical adjustable furniture, this rocking chair provides a wider population with more rocking functions by adjustable design using renewable material. A new finger-end adjustable wood joint system is created to provide broader consumer group with comfortable and ergonomically correct products. The furniture designs that use this system are knock down, adjustable, easy to produce and suited for mass customization.

Production:

Material: 5’x5’ 13-ply, 18mm, birch plywood; material utilization 90%;

Tools: 3/8“ bit, 3-flute, solid carbide, feed rate 200 in/min, RPM18,000.

Manufacturing time: 20 minutes; Assembly time: 5 minutes.

Software: Sketch–Rhino- Master CAM – toolpaths-CNC: Thermwood router

PCB Drilling with CNC Router

2009-11-11T21:23:00.000-08:00

Drilling a custom PCB with a table-top CNC router I built. The router itself is a dewalt laminate router and it is controlled by a custom 3 axis gantry. The gantry is driven with steppers all controlled from EMC2.

CNC Manufacturer Uses FARO Laser Tracker to Perform Alignments and Volumetric Compensation

2009-11-11T03:51:00.000-08:00

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines have successfully transformed the manufacturing industry from using hard-wired machines, whose operating parameters could not be changed, to machines that can cut curves as easily as straight lines and can produce complex 3-D structures with ease.

In the mid-1970s, Thermwood Corporation developed the first commercial CNC machine tool control and used it to build machinery to trim its plastic parts. Thermwood then began selling this trim equipment for plastics and woodworking applications and the CNC router was born. Thermwood is currently the oldest CNC router company and continues to offer products for the woodworking, plastics, and aerospace industries.

Problem

An important process for their CNC machines is axis alignment verification. Thermwood was using stationary-beam laser interferometers to check for straightness and level, as well as to acquire data for linear lead screw compensation. All orthogonal measurements had to be accomplished with mechanical instruments such as precision machine squares.

The mechanical instruments, however, were not the desired solution, as they required multiple setups, which in turn required a great deal of back-tracking to verify alignment states. There was no quick or easy way to monitor changes resulting from interactions within the process. This often required multiple interim checking operations, which became time consuming.

Thermwood was also looking for a solution to volumetric axis compensation. With their large 5-axis routers and mills that perform precision 3-dimensional work, minute variations in head positioning can become a major issue, as they are adding a conspicuous third dimension into the mix.

Solution

The FARO Laser Tracker became that solution for Thermwood. The Laser Tracker has not only provided them with a better way to perform axis alignment verification, but has also allowed them to successfully perform volumetric axis compensation.

Axis Alignment Verification

The implementation process of the Laser Tracker for alignment applications proceeded very quickly. “Enough cannot be said for the trainer,” said David Stutsman, Engineer at Thermwood. “Within a week, our cumbersome mechanical measuring instruments and levels were gathering dust.”

In this process, Thermwood uses the Laser Tracker to measure and map linearity in preset increments, as well as the orthogonal relationship between the various axes on the machine. Alignment technicians utilize this data to make critical adjustments to the machine components, after which the Laser Tracker verifies the proper state of alignment.

The initial Laser Tracker measurement setup is performed in the early stages of machine assembly, while the machine is only comprised of the various weldments with all of the rails mounted. During this initial operation, the Laser Tracker’s SMR (spherically mounted retroreflector) is fitted onto a special fixture, which allows it to be attached to each rail and moved manually along them. This fixture is then fitted with precision rail bearings, which allows it to track the rail very precisely. This initial setup makes it possible for Thermwood to take readings and make major adjustments in the assembly positions of the rails, based on information derived from the Laser Tracker.

Once the initial leveling and alignments are finished, machine assembly is completed, the servo drive system is fitted, and the computer control is installed. After the initial power-up, the machine is again checked using the Laser Tracker, then additional minor calibration adjustments are performed if necessary.

Volumetric Compensation

Volumetric compensation required a little more time to implement, as all of the software for this application was developed in-house. As a CNC machinery manufacturer, Thermwood has always developed its own software and built its own controls. “Having our software engineers on staff benefited us greatly in the development of this process,” said Stutsman. “We believe that our system is on the leading edge of this technology.”

In this process, Thermwood acquires positioning data in a matrix pattern on multiple planes. By adding multiple planes, they are able to represent the entire cubic space displaced by the machines’ axes. The entire work envelope of the machine is mapped to provide absolute positioning data at numerous predetermined points. A correction table is developed by triangulating between the various points in volumetric model space, measuring the error for each position, and formulating a table of correction data to be loaded into the machine control and accessed during program execution.

The method of compensating for error during the program cycle is essentially the same as with linear compensation, except that during program execution the control is required to simultaneously track and compare axis movement on three distinct orthogonal paths, and to affect positional corrections correspondingly on all three axes, in phase with program execution.

“Writing the software that allows the Laser Tracker to communicate with the machine control was a relatively simple task,” stated Stutsman. “On the other hand, developing algorithms to interpolate error at any given point within the operational envelope was a daunting task, requiring months to complete. However, this effort is paying off in terms of greatly increased positioning and tracking accuracy. We feel that this has given us a position of superiority over other CNC manufacturers.”

Return on Investment

The two FARO Laser Tracker units are in use nearly every day at Thermwood, performing either or both of the applications. Consistencies of their CNC machines and their overall quality have both been impacted positively since implementing the Laser Trackers.

The amount of time required for machine alignments has been cut to less than half. What once took up to eight hours to complete can now be accomplished in approximately three. The greatest savings are realized on the larger, more complex machines. In addition, Thermwood can now perform volumetric compensation, which would not have been possible without the Laser Tracker.

“The FARO Laser Tracker has had a significant positive impact on the overall quality and value of our product,” said Stutsman. “We expect gains in market share as a result.”

Wind Turbine Blades by CNC Router

2009-10-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

by Brian Rodgers

First off our turbine is an Otherpower design built from the pre-published Home Brew Wind Power book we received after a week long class in Colorado. Sweet

I highly recommend Dan Bartman's and Dan Fink's classes to everyone considering building a wind turbine.

So,this is actually our second 10 footer, but we soon found out building a wind turbine at the Other Power workshop is a whole heck of a lot simpler than gearing up and building one in our living room.

Before we did much more than build a stator on the kitchen table I decided we needed a shop.

It only took a year to get the shop usable. On the bright side it wasn't expensive and we had loads of help from friends and family

Anyway our system is a 10 foot wind turbine mounted on a 46 foot, guyed, tilt up, 3" square tube tower on top of the hill we picked specifically for best wind and no few trees nearby, which performed poorly. With the decent mountain winds of 20 to 45 mph (guestimated) the turbine was putting out a meager 8 – 10 amps @ 24 volts. Then I caught sight of the ammeter in a few super winds, maybe 50-60 mph, it hit 25 amps, even while furling, finally, proof that our alternator could actually make the juice we hoped for.

It was back to the drawing board and in our case being computer geeks, back to Solidworks 3D modeling and Mastercam G-code (CNC machine code) generator. Kevin's dad has been a pilot since forever, and he convinced us that the airfoil shape in the Other Power book was efficient only from a hand carving view point. A machine designed and cut blade can have negative curves for instance, similar to what we see on the bottom of PVC blades.

Kevin set about building faster, sleeker blades. I suggested we add six inches to the five foot blade just to pull a bit more energy from the available wind. So, what you see in the above design is a five foot six inch blade 1.5 inches thick and 7.5 inches wide at the root. We also increased the blade area by cutting back the root by nearly five inches, leaving just enough room to mount the 10 inch plywood disks which hold the blades in position.

Just in case you wonder if an eleven foot blades set will fit on our tower without hitting the guy cables. Yes we actually have a six foot two inch (id) schedule 40 pipe stub on top of the tower. That stub top was actually kind of a mistake, but it seems to be holding up even though I have seen it flex a little in those super winds. Next tower is going to be made from much larger material and the stub will go nearly to the top.

Anywho, this was a test setup, so it doesn't matter if most of the wind turbine and tower were made from what we had on hand, indeed that was a main part of the experiment. In fact, while we struggled to get the turbine in the sky before the notorious Spring NM winds I wondered which part of this system would fail first. Knock on wood all of our ranch engineering has held up to everything nature has thrown at it.

We will need to calculate a new tail to match the new blade sweep area, but building wood pieces just got o whole lot easier now that we are hooked up with a local cabinet shop where the CNC router now is setup. Boy howdy, we have tools, all kinds of tools: Last night before leaving, we quick cut up three 4"X4" Douglas Fir cants using Louie's crazy cool 18" band saw. Once we had 12-2"X2"s we ran them through a planer, spent considerable time sorting the wood for grain direction and putting knots in places which are outside of the area the router was cutting, we began gluing and clamping.

The cabinet shop owner was a bit of perfectionist to say the least and he kept us doing a good job the whole day, OMG, no wonder we're exhausted. But that was cool, nothing like having a journeyman cabinet maker excited about homebrew energy making. So yeah, if you see any imperfections in the wood it wasn't because our resident craftsmen didn't make enough pencil lines on the wood as we were sanding, "this spot needs work, run you hand over it, you should be able to feel it."

That's it then, probably not a second to soon for some of you.
Obviously I like chronicling

Metal Mulisha CNC Cutout Sign

2009-10-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

New and useful applications for our large format CNC router are going through our doors daily. Today we finished the final touches on a sign for Metal Mulisha with a print on our hp designjet printer then mounted it to some gator board and cut it out to shape with our CNC router. The whole things completed looks so much more dynamic and eye popping than a generic sign printed and left in a standard rectangular shape. We are always happy to help companies and clients of ours with new and innovative solutions to their marketing and advertising needs with all of their large format prints.

by Jon

Cost Savings for CNC Routing Machines

2009-10-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

The following is a short "Article" about Cost Savings Program for Routing Machine Spindle Repair by Ted Ladzinski. .

Cost Savings for CNC Routing Machines.

The spindle is the heart of every CNC routing machine. If you do not have a functional spindle you can’t make the parts you need. Due to recent advancement’s in today’s CNC routing Machines, many come equipped with high speed motorized CNC spindles not unlike what you find in many of today’s CNC machining centers. Whether is a Colombo, Gamfior, GMN, Omlat , Komo or another spindle OEM used in your machine, replacing damaged spindles new can cost nearly as much as the entire machine.

If you do have a spindle failure, don’t panic. Find a good CNC spindle repair company. Motor City Machine Tool Repair frequently rebuilds router spindles at 50% or less than the cost of new. This can save machine owners thousands of dollars. Furthermore, these repairs come with 1 year warranty. This warranty often exceeds those offered by the manufacturer. The average repair can take two weeks but emergency rebuilds are available in 1-3 days.
Knowing where to go when if your routing spindle fails is critical in savings both machine down time and the cost of the repair. Please don’t hesitate to contact Motor City Machine Tool Repair with any questions about our capabilities, where we purchase parts, or our strict testing procedures. Free estimates can be provided over the phone.

Motor City Machine Tool Repair
www.motorcityrepair.com
734-261-8600

CNC Reproduction Work ... Technology in the Workplace

2009-10-16T02:12:00.000-07:00

Courtesy:http://dorsetcustomfurniture.blogspot.com/

We have had our Multicam 1000 CNC router now for about four years. Trevor's been running it for almost 3 of them and we've refined our technique for reproducing stuff so that it goes remarkably smoothly. This table came to us recently. It was a Grand Rapids piece, probably from the 20's, not particularly valuable except sentimentally ... The end piece was broken off and missing but we had the broken off molding. So, here's how we get from the first picture to the last picture below ... Holman Studios is doing a little orange shellac and colored lacquer work on just the top and new piece to get it looking good. ... Click the pictures to enlarge them ...

The table as it came to us

First step, photograph the good end

Get the image full size, (in this case 13.06 x 1.81) in Photoshop and save it as 1 to 1 (1306 pixels x 181 pixels

Import it into your CAD program in a box 13.06 x 1.81 and draw over it ... Save it as the right kind of file for the toolpath program to read

Import it into Enroute and toolpath (have the program tell the router how to cut it, what bit, what order,etc.) it

Make a sample in luan to check it ... In this case ... perfect

Trevor then made a 3 ply replacement sandwich piece (two vertical pieces of veneer on a horizontal grain 1/8" solid wood core ... net 3/16ths " thick

Cut the real thing, stain it, install it and take it to Steve .... Start to finish ??? Hmmm, we'll see when we do the time clock, but probably less than you might think ...

We do all kinds of custom cnc work for our clients and for other furniture makers, both local and nationwide. This week we made the (200?) chair parts below for one friend and Monday we have a couple of big slabs to mill flat for another ... keeps Trevor off the streets....

The finished parts before running them through the planer them to release them

CNC at work ...

KID's Wooden Cars

2009-10-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

A CNC Router can be utilised to make shapes like this.

Wine Tower

2009-10-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

The main tower is made of solid Mahogany, the tower cap has a piece of maple sandwiched between two pieces of Bubinga, and the base legs are made of African Kiaat. All finished with a semi-gloss spray on lacquer.

Chair Beauty

2009-10-06T23:50:00.001-07:00

Halloween Hanging Mobile Project

2009-10-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

Written by: Alan Parekh

The Halloween Hanging Mobile Project was lots of fun. Hand drawn images were cut out using a CNC machine as pieces of the spooky mobile.

Here are the basic steps of what was done:

Drawings were made on sheets of paper .
The drawings were scanned into the computer and touched up using MS Paint .
Artcam was used to convert the bitmap images into vectors .
The vectors were used to create tool-paths so that the images could eventually be cut out .

The tool-paths were exported to G code for the CNC computer

The CNC computer controlled the CNC machine to allow the parts to be cut out in exact proportion

Paint all the pieces

Tie them together with fishing line

Hang and enjoy!

Guitar-test cuts on a CNC Router

2009-10-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

Dinosaur Bed

2009-10-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

by Jon

Derric, the king of “I Have An Idea,” recently decided that if we can make tables at Monster Media with our flatbed printer and CNC router we can surely make beds. And if we can make beds then we can surely make a child’s bed. And if we can surely make a child’s bed we can make a custom child’s bed. And if we are going to make a child’s custom bed why don’t we start off with one for Dash, Derric’s four year old son, and make it in the likeness of one of his favorite things right now, a dinosaur? So, we did. This is a completely custom designed dinosaur bed, with detailed routing around the edges thanks to our large format CNC router and artwork printed directly to the wood thanks to our Digital Flatbed Printer. We have nailed it all together yet or thrown a mattress on it but we are so excited at how it turned out we went ahead and mocked it up on some two-by-fours and took some pics to share around. Check it out!

Wooden Carved Chest

2009-09-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

the below work is taken from http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com by Khalid Khattak

I thank him for the excellent works that he posted in his blog and is really informative.Read..........

Again this time my wife stressed me to make some siting arrangement in the TV Lounge... and she came up with idea of Chests.... Yes the Chest with Storage box... Did i mention that She is genius ;)... The complete designing was done with mutual understanding by keeping in view of Location of placement and the height of these chests.. Also we decided to make two different types of designs on each side.. The idea was that whenever we want a change in TV lounge we will rotate the chests with required design in our front... It was a huge project for me and time consuming too... However we manage to do the work in the weekends... As the project was big so it took a month or two including staining etc...

The carving came out great... I don't know how long it took to purchase the cushion for these chest but if i remember the chest lay down in TV lounge for more than two months without cushion.. Stop....did i mention that i am very lazy...

Made From Cribs: Residue Chair By Huib Muilwijk

2009-09-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

You know the saying, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade? Well, this is exactly like that.
Except that instead of life, it's a business designing and making cribs on a CNC router.

And instead of you, it's Dutch designer Huib van Muilwijk and his studio Made by Midas.
And instead of lemons, it's the leftover pieces of ply shaped like giant popsicle sticks.
And instead of lemonade, it's the ResidueChair, and then it's the whole Residue Line.
And instead of yellow, it's whatever color the last guy's crib was.
That's what I said: exactly like that.
[madebymidas.com, thanks huib]

Mensa table collection by Lazerian

2009-09-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

London Design Festival 09: Manchester design studio Lazerian have created a collection of tables consisting of modular, birch plywood components supporting glass tops.

The thin pieces of plywood are cut out using a router controlled by a computer, and joined using bolts and wing-nuts.

The tables build on a structure developed for the studio’s earlier Light Modulator project (read similar story).

Lazerian will launch the collection at 100% Design in London this month.

More about Lazerian on Dezeen:

The Minerals Collection
Light Modulator

Here’s some more information from Lazerian:

–

Mensa table collection

Lazerian’s experimentation with plywood over the past two years has culminated in the creation of a new collection of furniture.

Starting from a hands on exploration of plywood, Richard Sweeney and Liam Hopkins created a series of models with various connecting methods, including bolting and self-interlock.

With the use of a CNC (computer numerically controlled) router, these models were further advanced to find structural forms capable of supporting weight.

From this process emerged a distinctive collection of furniture, which makes use of both raw and laminated birch plywood.

The designs emphasise the importance of material to Lazerian- the basis of a design starts with the material itself, and efforts are made to incorporate the unique features of the material into the design, and to fully integrate methods of hand craft with new manufacturing technologies.

The Little Star Table

2009-09-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

Here’s introducing one of the most contemporary Industrial Designers from the UK: Ben Huggins. His Little Star table project is a simple mathematical endeavor. Craft a line here, stack an angle there and you’ve constructed a very chic table! Three tables can be cut from one 1200mm x 2400mm sheet of 15mm ply by CNC router and Ben’s been hand-crafting them all. No screws or ﬁxings, it comes in this neat pizza-style box.

Cutting Tools for Acrylic

2009-09-10T04:53:00.000-07:00

Onsrud Cutter LP, the leading supplier of CNC router tooling, has introduced a line of cutting tools designed for acrylic sheet materials.

The 63-500 series of solid carbide spiral "O" flute tools will produce a superior edge finish on either cast or extruded acrylic plastic. This is especially important in plastic products such as exhibits, signs or P-O-P displays where the public constantly views the finished edge of the product.

Onsrud Cutter is the only cutting tool facility in the United States that manufactures high-speed steel, carbide tipped, solid carbide, diamond coated and PCD CNC tooling. Onsrud manufactured their first router bit in 1920. For further information contact Onsrud Cutter LP, 847-362-1560, www.onsrud.com.

CNC Router cut & assembled

2009-09-10T04:29:00.000-07:00

cut and assembled,but not finished.

held together with wood joinery only .

Bamboo Designs : CNC Routers play an important role !!!

2009-09-10T04:04:00.000-07:00

Miami based designer Facundo Poj found his inspiration in demolition salvage yards after years of work with documentation, renovation and restoration of old institutional buildings at several Boston based Architecture firms. He spends much of his time looking for treasures in junk yards, salvage yards and aircraft graveyards where he searches for objects with a soul and a lasting quality to them. Delving deep into the biography of objects and materials to uncover the historic value of each, Facundo transcends the need for understanding just the style and form.

Facundo also invests much energy researching new ways of using great quality materials which are not that far into the unconventional, but which have not fallen yet into the hands of large scale mainstream manufacturing; materials like salvaged cardboard or engineered bamboo. All his furniture pieces are designed through high technology, handcrafted, and built for life.

In his own words, “I always start conceptualizing these pieces from a single line. Put the pencil down once, give the paper a single stroke, pick the pencil up.

Structural strength, stability, ergonomics, primary & secondary functions must all be solved with this one line.

Minor adjustments of proportions and function then follow. All necessary devices are accounted for and my line is then digitalized. This must be done so that all repetitions, all layers, inherit exactly the same contour.

All the components are arranged so that they can all come out of a few sheets of hard pressed Chinese bamboo. I choose this material because it is manufactured in large enough sheets, it is noble, strong, hard, durable and sexy to the touch. Bamboo is also a fast growing grass and this helps prevent forest depletion.
A CNC router then dances over the sheet cutting all the serpents and fragments. The pieces are then threaded together by hand with oak dowels, glued, and press together. The sanding process is long and difficult due to the hardness of the material. The piece is then finished with a clear non-toxic water based coating.

This low tech-high tech-low tech process is for me the ultimate. The piece is a combination of both, the highest technology available to design and construction, and the sensibility of the human hand.”

Born in Argentina in 1971, Facundo trained as a master builder in his native Buenos Aires and moved to Boston in the early 1990’s where he graduated from Architecture school and also received a Masters Degree in Urban Affairs and Environmental Problems.

Sought after by many, the likes of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton USA, Veuve Clicquot, Ecoist, Dom Perignon, Citrine by the Stones, Simmons of Argentina have bought and displayed Facundo's work proudly.

To know much more about this very talented and soulful designer, visit his website - http://facundopoj.com/

CNC Router with Laser cutter & 3D printer

2009-09-10T03:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some selects of laser-cut, cnc routed and 3d printed goodness:

Courtesy::::::::

http://www.flickr.com/groups/digitalfabrication/

A Fine Bedside Table :Inlays using CNC Router

2009-09-10T03:46:00.000-07:00

Close up of the inlays

The finished table
A couple years ago we made a bed for a client that had, inlaid in the headboard, our interpretation of the family coat of arms. It was a challenging inlay with many different elements and woods finely executed by my man , Trevor. It was one of his first really complex inlays after he took over the CNC router operation full time. About now, he's definitely got it all figured out. Anyway, now he's working on a bedside table to complement his first project, plucking small elements out of the larger inlay and setting them in various places on the table ... Cool project ... Click to enlarge the pictures.

The headboard inlay up close

The headboard inlay in process ... Check the little walnut piece ... it's a 1/16th by 1/8" x about 6 or 7" long, cut by Trevor in one piece from walnut .... I can still remember his smile when he pulled that one off

The finished bed

Organizing the table parts ... the curly maple legs were roughed out by Will using the Vega duplicator, and then final cut and cleaned up freehand

Trevor's redwood burl lion and walnut 'stars' in process

Installing the walnut borders, long grain and cross grain on the maple top

The fox has been inlaid on the right side apron, the bottoms of the legs have been trimmed and we'll start to glue up the parts you see above later today. There will be two drawers and a secret compartment. Like I said ... cool table

Courtesy for this post :

http://dorsetcustomfurniture.blogspot.com

Techno announces Servo Patriot CNC Router for students

2009-09-10T03:32:00.000-07:00

Techno announces Servo Patriot CNC Router
for students

Go to company's web sit

Techno’s Educational CNC Division introduces Servo Patriot CNC Router designed especially for technical education environments and recommended for Grades 6 through College. The Patriot is capable of training students on prototyping and machining 3-D objects, and can ultimately take them from school to work. This compact machine comes completely enclosed with a safety interlocking mechanism that prevents operation of the machine unless the lock is activated; this promotes safety, minimizes noise and supports proper dust collection.

“We are very excited to introduce the Patriot into the educational market,” says Sales Manager James Renner. “It is an exceptionally durable package that will enhance any classroom. Teachers will also receive local training, free technical support and FREE G-Code Servo Interface Software upgrades for the lifetime of the machine!”

Techno’s Patriot utilizes high-speed servomotors that provide users reliability and accuracy in every cut unlike previous stepper motor based systems that can loose steps and positions instantly. Lead ball screws on all three axes ensure maximum durability that will last the lifetime of the machine, even in the most demanding educational environment. Each Patriot comes CE certified for international safety approval, making it ready-to-ship anywhere within the US or Europe.

3 axis and 4 axis CNC router tables

2009-09-10T03:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Precision Automated Equipment, Inc.

We produce a wide range of aluminum extruded or steel frame, 3 axis and 4 axis CNC router tables and CNC plasma tables.

CNC tables have become more affordable in recent years, allowing companies of any size to benefit from the increased accuracy, repeatability and productivity of CNC router and CNC plasma tables.

Thank you for taking the time to consider us for your equipment needs.

Fil Schwartz
Precision Automated Equipment Inc. http://www.precisionae.com/

CNC router and plasma tables are used for signmaking, prototyping, woodworking, cabinetry, manufacturing, transportation, art and craft making, instrument making, construction, education and more.

Delmac donates over 60 cabinets and bookcases to Las Vegas Habitat for Humanity Restore

2009-09-05T02:52:00.000-07:00

Delmac built over 60 cabinets and bookcases during the AWFS Show and donated them to the Las Vegas Habitat for Humanity Restore. The Habitat ReStore will sell the cabinets and bookcases and use the proceeds to build affordable housing for the community. Delmac’s General Manager, John Park said, “Our focus is to build furniture at the show to demonstrate the capabilities of our machinery and has the added benefit of providing a product that will be of use to the community when finished. We have a long standing relationship with the Greensboro Habitat Restore, as well as the Restores in the cities where we have tradeshows.”

We thank our industry partners including Funder America for the Melamine panels, Canplast, Haefele, Chicago Dowel, Franklin Adhesives, Salice and Freeman. Delmac designed cabinets and children’s bookcases that could be built while demonstrating our Busellato CNC Router with the new loading/unloading device, IDM Edgebander, OMAL Bore, Glue and Dowel Machine and Bonacin Case Clamp.

For more information, please contact our Greensboro facility at (336) 854-1211.

http://www.delmac.com/product_cncRouters.htm

Thermwood announces QuickCut Cabinet and Closet System

2009-09-05T02:42:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce a new, simplified approach to nested based production of cabinets and closets that does not require separate cabinet design software. This new approach, called "QuickCut", is done entirely at the CNC machine.

The operator, working at the machine control, simply selects and resizes cabinets and closets from a built-in library and runs them. This entire process happens at the machine. The process is simple enough that virtually anyone can run it with minimal instruction. Libraries can be modified or extended through a programming service.

"For the first time you can operate a CNC router without extensive training or technical skill", says Thermwood's Vice-President of Marketing Jason Susnjara. "This approach allows cabinetmakers to focus on making cabinets using an amazing new tool that's really easy to use".

Operating a CNC router usually requires specialized knowledge which limits its use to specially trained employees. We used the technical power in our Gen2 SuperControl to totally automate virtually every task, then created a simple user interface, resulting in a system that almost anyone can use without extensive training.

The QuickCut feature targets smaller, less technical shops but can also be used by larger companies to make virtually any part or product in their product line any time they want. A library of parts can be stored on a network drive. At that point, almost anyone can walk up to any QuickCut machine and make any part. It's that easy. By storing files in a central location, management has complete control of anything that is made, anywhere in the factory.

"This new interface takes what has been a confusing area for non-technical users and makes it almost as easy as using a copy machine", states Thermwood's President, David Hildenbrand. "We believe it will fundamentally change how cabinets, closets and perhaps many other products, are made".

All nested based systems from Thermwood are QuickCut compatible and Gen2 systems operating in the field can be retrofitted to make them QuickCut compatible.

For more information on this exciting new development, please visit our QuickCut area of the website.

http://www.thermwood.com/header/quick_cut_main.htm

CAM helps the CNC Machines to perform best

2009-09-05T02:37:00.000-07:00

CAM investment is helping Frazero produce luxury interiors for automotive icons such as the Bugatti Veyron, Spyker C8 and Bentley Continental GT. The control panel for a luxury motor launch Specialising in the design and production of low volume or concept interior and instrument panels for cars and boats, Frazero’s customer list for its highly customised dashboards, consoles and instruments sounds like a catalogue of luxury cars and boat makers. As well as producing elegant panels and interior fittings, the company manufactures all its own tooling and fixturing. Panel manufacture typically involves pressing and gluing layers of wood laminate together onto an aluminium substrate to achieve the desired finish and thickness. Frazero’s GibbsCAM system, supplied by Tech CAD/CAM, allows it to produce the geometries required to machine complex shapes in 3 and 5-axes. David Carlisle, Machine Shop Supervisor, says, “We have six GibbsCAM systems, four on the shop floor and two in an upstairs office where most of the 5-axis parts are programmed. Our operators do all their own programming on the system for both milled and turned parts. It is very easy to use and far quicker and more reliable than on machine programming, even for the most simple shapes.” Frazero has greatly improved its productivity through shop floor programming. Operators can programme jobs while the machine is running, and their machining experience ensures that the most appropriate methods are used. Frazero has 11 CNC machine tools, three 3-axis Mikrons, two 5-axis Mikrons, one Haas with trunnion capable of producing 5-axis parts, four 3-axis Cincinnati machining centres and one Geiss 5-axis router. The majority of new concept designs produced by the company are modelled in the CAM system however, for complex parts from companies like Bentley and Rolls-Royce, designs are imported in car line directly from CATIA. Farzero also uses Solid Works CAD software to provide additional design capacity for its customers. David Carlisle adds, “GibbsCAM has very powerful modelling capabilities which enable us to design and manufacture some very complex new concepts in one system. It also has tools which enable us to move imported CAD data from car line to suit our own datum, as well as surface patching tools to repair small gaps in the model. 50% of our work is 5-axis, which involves producing multiple forming, gluing and trimming tools in aluminium.” David Carlisle says, “We produce some extremely intricate parts, and because they are part of the interior trim, the finish must be flawless. We find that for the machined parts such as air vents or bezels, a quick polish is all that is required to produce the required quality. www.frazero.com

SPECIAL - AXYZ CNC ROUTERS - FACTORY DISCOUNTS

2009-08-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

SPECIAL - AXYZ CNC ROUTERS - FACTORY DISCOUNTS

FACTORY SPECIALS ON SELECTED MODELS.

CALL FOR DETAILS: 714-325-7052

Please visit the website: www.axyz.com for router specifications. Or call: (714) 325-7052

Please visit the website: http://www.camtech.ca/ for laser specifications

CAMTECH CNC Router, Model Z 7

Process area of 52 inch by 104 inch, 5 HP spindle.

Stock, California

AXYZ CNC ROUTERS - Camtech CNC Lasers

NEW MACHINES IN STOCK FOR FAST DELIVERY

AXYZ CNC Router, Model 4010 with ATC

Process area 60 inch by 120 inch, 10 HP HSD spindle

IN STOCK, FAST DELIVERY, Calif.

AXYZ CNC Router, Model 6016

Process area 82 inch x 16 feet, 10 HP spindle

IN STOCK FOR FAST DELIVERY FROM FACTORY

Call for more information ( 714) 325.7052

USED MACHINES FOR FAST DELIVERY

AXYZ and Camtech USED CNC Routers and Lasers

AXYZ 4008 CNC ROUTER, Year 1998, 60” x 96” process area

60” x 96” Vacuum bed, 5 HP Perske Spindle, Pressure foot

10 HP oil vane vacuum pump. AXYZ AMC Control system

PRICE: $19,000, FOB Factory, Burlington, Ontario , CANADA

AXYZ Millennium CNC ROUTER, 39” X 39” process area

3 HP Elte spindle, Pressure Foot, T-slot clamping bed

DEMO MACHINE ONLY – used for Educational Road Shows

AXYZ AMC Control system

PRICE: $13,290, FOB Factory, Burlington , Ontario , CANADA

CAMTECH CNC LASER, Model L-20, Year 2006

52” x 102” processing area, 25 Watt

FOB: Yorba Linda, CA

PRICE: $35,000

AXYZ makes CNC routers up to 10 feet wide by 50 feet long.

TRADESHOWS

GLASSBUILD, Atlanta, Georgia, Sept. 30 to Oct. 2

http://www.glassbuildamerica.com/about.htm

METALCON, Tampa, Florida, Oct. 6-8, 2009

http://www.metalcon.com/

AXYZ CNC Router showroom and demo center in Yorba Linda, California

Ron Morgan - AXYZ Sales (714) 325-7052 cellular

Local Service provided by factory trained AXYZ Serviceman

AXYZ Factory parts and service (800) 361-3408

USED – AXYZ CNC Router, model 5010 ATC, contact Josh Bergler, 626-327-2079.

DIGITAL PRINTING AND SIGN COMPANIES: You need the I-Cut distortion compensation system to cut out parts easily. Call for more information.

ALUMINUM COMPOSITE COMPANIES: AXYZ IS THE INDUSTRY LEADER IN ACM ROUTERS.

Visit this website for more information: http://www.panelbuilder.net/

Please call for more information.

Ron Morgan

714-325-7052 cellular

AXYZ / CAMTECH Sales

www.axyz.com

Wine Bottle Racks

2009-08-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

Wine bottle racks made in MDF simply using CNC Router

Delcam’s ArtCAM makes intricate carving easy

2009-08-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

Shanfari Trading & Furnishing Co (STFC) has found that intricate carvings can be made easily since the company acquired Delcam’s ArtCAM Pro software. Mr Sulemain, General Manager at STFC, believes that the decision to use ArtCAM Pro has paid rich dividends for his company. He has purchased two more routing machines during recent years, while he is full of praise for the support his company receives from Delcam’s Middle East office.

STFC is a part of the Shanfari Group of companies, one of the largest groups of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman and even the Middle East. It has undertaken woodworking projects for the Divan of the Royal Court and also for museums throughout Oman for the last twenty-five years. It has also provided its services for interior design and other turnkey projects to palaces, commercial properties, high-profile villas and hotels.

Mr. Sulemain recalled the events that led to the purchase of ArtCAM Pro back in 1999. “We had just purchased our first CNC router and needed some three-axis software capable enough to generate intricate 3D carvings and their respective toolpaths.” He had invited various software suppliers, including Delcam Middle East, to give a presentation on their products, focusing on how the software solution would be used to design the carvings and then to machine them. After watching the demonstration of the ArtCAM Pro software, Mr. Sulemain and the staff at STFC were convinced that it could solve all their existing issues concerning generation of the most intricate shapes, including the V-carving used for the palace doors.

Mr Hari, in charge of the CNC department, was particularly impressed with the ease of toolpath generation for intricate 3D carvings and the short learning curve. Within one week, his CNC operators had learnt how to generate the toolpaths for even the most complex carvings.

More recently, STFC has been using its ArtCAM Pro software to program the newly-acquired twin-table, four-spindle, Homag routing machine. With the Reichenbacher twin-table, four-spindle machine and a Fanuc-based, twin-spindle system, this takes the total number of machines at the company to three.

Delcam’s ArtCAM used for giant chandeliers

2009-08-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Delcam’s ArtCAM software enabled Adirondack Studios to complete successfully a project to produce five giant chandeliers for the Mohegan Sun Casino at Pocono Downs, Pennsylvania.

For over 30 years, Adirondack Studios, based in Argyle, New York, has helped to design and build themed environments for theatres, arenas, exhibit halls, ballrooms, parks, restaurants, casinos, amusement parks, supermarkets, museums, stadia and marinas. About a year ago, the company began using the ArtCAM artistic CADCAM software to program the CNC routers used to manufacture the majority of the company’s products.

"The software that we used in the past for CNC programming worked fine for routine jobs but many of the projects that we get involved in are far out of the ordinary,” said Bob Gregory, Senior Router Operator. "We spent too much time watching the clock while we were machining and ran into quite a few bugs. Also, the software developer was not as responsive as we wished when we called in for support.”

"We had heard that a number of our competitors were using ArtCAM with very good results so we decided to give it a try,” Mr. Gregory continued. "From the very beginning we felt that ArtCAM was a more finished product, more robust, with much higher performance. The tutorials make it very easy to take advantage of the many advanced features of the software. The support provided by Delcam has been superlative and they do listen to, and implement, user suggestions for improving the software.”

Adirondack Studios’ designers began the construction of the chandeliers by building a 3D model in AutoCAD. The file was imported into ArtCAM to generate the CNC program to machine a positive shape in low-density foam. This was used by a subcontractor to vacuum-form the plastic bowl segments. These were then painted to look like alabaster.

In a similar way, the casting department used ArtCAM to make a mould to cast the grouse models that would be used to decorate the chandeliers. A black-tinted silicone rubber was used to give the grouse the appearance of wrought iron.

The next step was to create a bird’s nest pattern and weave it around the circumference of the bowl. ArtCAM allowed the ways in which the strands crossed each other to be varied for a more natural appearance. "Birds do not use a CNC machine to build their nests so it took considerable effort to get the correct look,” Mr. Gregory said.

Mr. Gregory generated a CNC program to cut the bird’s nest negative shape into MDF. It took only fifteen minutes to create the program compared with at least four hours that would have been needed with the previous software. The mould was used to cast the bird’s nests from the same silicon rubber used for the grouse. Finally, the birds and the nests were glued to the bowl of each chandelier.

The finished chandeliers were then installed in the casino. They formed part of a $208-million renovation of the site, aimed at transforming it into the area’s leading entertainment complex.