CNC ArticlesPhone: 516-328-3970www.technocnc.com121Shown are computer components readied for shipping with foam packagingproduced by Foam Fabricators.Then they found the Techno Model 160 Production CNC router from Techno Isel, New Hyde Park, New York, which offered a perfect compromise. The machine was very accurate and robust which was designed for production routing and drilling on a wide variety of materials including wood, plastic, MDF, solid surfacing materials, and nonferrous metals. The price and the capabilities included in the Techno CNC system seemed perfect for Foam Fabricators needs, so the company decided to purchase it. The technical specifications of the Techno machine they selected include a working area for the router of 59 inches by 50 inches and z-axis height of 12 inches, a vacuum hold-down table, 5 horsepower Columbo spindle and a raised gantry for large part clearance. The table features a rapid travel speed of 800 inches per minute, a z-axis cutting force of 200 pounds maximum, 0.0005-inch resolution and repeatability, and 0.003 inches/foot absolute accuracy. Automated sampleproductionNow when a customer comes to Foam Fabricators with a request for a new product, the engineer creates the SolidWorks model, as he did in the past. But instead of creating a drawing, he exports the solid model directly into the Techno systems CAM program. Originally designed for metalworking, this CAM program is also well-suited for foam because of its ability to generate the most complex contours with little programming effort. In the CAM program, the engineer gives the command and the software creates the toolpaths for cutting the sample. The only additional input required is information such as feed rates and cutting speeds. Total programming time, from when the SolidWorksmodel is imported into the CAM program until and this type of contact ensures low friction, low wear, and long life. The ball screws also make it possible to produce parts to the machine resolution of 0.0005 inch. In addition, the machine is constructed on steel stress-relieved bases with hardened steel linear ways, and ball screws with servomotors standard, which offer the best precision performance, speed capacity, and machine longevity. This shaft-and-bearing system produces very smooth, play-free motion and is an extremely rigid system that produces high-quality cuts.Customers appreciate the faster turnaround on samples. Those who need a high degree of accuracy in their samples are noticing an improvement from the Techno machine here, too. More importantly, customers who come to Foam Fabricators seeking packaging components now have confi dence that the company can take on their jobs, no matter how complex the shape of their parts. Because the CNC machine imports CAD geometry and replicates that shape exactly, regardless of the complexity, Foam Fabricators is no longer limited to simpler shapes. Having the Techno CNC machine has paid off for Foam Fabricators in a number of ways: faster turnaround on samples, more accurate samples, better satisfi ed customers, and the ability to take on more complex jobs. In addition, having a CNC machine helps the company compete against other injection foam molders. Making samples on a CNC machine is becoming the norm in our industry, explains Musgrove. With the Techno machine, we found a cost-effective way to meet this requirement.the system is ready to cut foam, ranges from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the complexity of the part. After a piece of foam stock is fastened to the Techno machine, the operator hits the start button and the sample is then carved automatically. The machine does not require any supervision, except to remove the finished piece and attach a new foam block to repeat the process. With this machine, a typical order for 20 samples is completed in two days. Large sample orders no longer require theproduction assistance of engineers. The machine is simply kept supplied with stock and runs until the order is finished. Foam Fabricators has been very pleased with the reliability of the Techno machine. With just regular lubrication, it functions perfectly. Part of its reliability is due to the materials used in its construction. For example, the machine uses antibacklash ball screws. These screws have excellent power transmission due to the rolling-ball contact between the nut and screws,