Improving the Precision of CNC Routers

Integral V Technology improve the alignment process for CNC routers

Typical gantry routers can be used to accomplish a wide variety of specialized tasks. From woodworking to foam cutting, CNC routers are a commonplace system found in many different areas on the manufacturing floor. These routers rely on precise linear motion in order to accurately complete objectives. Traditionally, this would entail several mounting components and a painstaking alignment process that drives up production costs and time. However, with the recent introduction of PBC Linear’s Integral V™ Technology (IVT) linear guiding system, this alignment process is a thing of the past.

Routers typically have large work envelopes and rely on the gantry’s structure to support the router head. The router process relies on high speed spindles that run in excess of 20,000 RPM and require the tool to quickly and accurately machine through the material with a series of high speed cuts. Due to the machining process, the machine base does not have to be as robust as a metal cutting machine and their structural members are manufactured typically out of structural aluminum framing. However before the process can run, the linear guide must be precision aligned in a process that could take hours with the old process, or minutes with IVT.

The PBC Linear Solution

IVT works to reduce installation time and drive down costs by eliminating mounting components while still maintaining a highly accurate linear motion system. Many hours can be consumed by the machine builder to properly align their cutting machine with the linear guide Conventional linear guide systems rely on mounting components to maintain precision alignment and accurate travel. These mounting components are installed and arduously aligned to ensure precision in a process that can take hours. With IVT, the durable aluminum extrusion maintains its tight tolerances throughout the extent of the extrusion! This is accomplished by IVT’s innovative design and PBC Linear’s SIMO (Simultaneous Integral Milling Operation) process.

The SIMO process provides precision machined aluminum extrusions and extremely tight tolerances by using synchronized tooling to maintain alignment along the rail. In a straight line production process, SIMO can machine an extrusion concurrently and consistently on all four sides with one pass. This creates a solution to a common problem in several industries: cost efficient precision machined extrusions. SIMO reduces the meticulous alignment phase from hours to minutes. From simple linear guides to customized extrusions for routers, the SIMO can quickly machine out an accurate extrusion at no added cost.

Results/ROI

Recently, IVT has been implemented in several different routers spanning a wide variety of industries. Using custom-built extrusions, IVT has drastically reduced the router’s mounting components, installation time, and production cost; yielding a simplified, highly accurate linear motion guide. With IVT’s custom integrated frame design, the lightweight aluminum structure can hold up against immense weight and provide highly accurate, long-lasting travel for the router. From installation to the end result, IVT creates a simplified and economical solution to linear motion in routing systems.

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