Cool CNC-friendly desk lamp design

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.

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

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

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

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

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?

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

cutting an MDF pattern for aluminum casting on my cnc router


www.russellanderson.com.au

CNC Router for boat building

the hull panels were cut with a CNC router

 

PERSPEX LETTERING

cnc router can be used to cut it in any shape

CNC Routing Machines:-Best Product at Homag-india

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

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

Some of the projects on  CNC router..

Calgary Kitchen Manufacturer “Builds” on Technology

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

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

Copyright © Hongtao Zhou 2008. All right reserved

PCB Drilling with CNC Router

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wine Tower

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

Halloween Hanging Mobile Project

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