SCOTT SYSTEM ROUTING SERVICES
As an introduction to our routing services, this article will outline the process of working with Scott System and will address any questions that you might have. Feel free to contact us at (518) 383-0500 or send us an email at [email protected]. To view some of our work, please visit our website at www.scottsystem.com.
INTRO. Scott System CNC routing services are versatile with applications and material choices that are virtually endless. We are an ISO 9001:2015 certified company for the design and manufacture of CNC machined non-ferrous metals, composites, wood and foam. The Scott System design team utilizes professional design program software including: Rhino, Autodesk, Mastercam, Vericut and Adobe suite. We have the ability to cut 2D or 3D parts from any file format you have, and we can create files from existing photos into relief textures.
DESIGN REVIEW. The first step of the process will be design review at pre-sale. Every project presented undergoes a feasibility study to confirm the part will be manufactured to the requirement specified by the customer. The process includes file review of the geometry and surfaces, 3D model generation, theoretical cutting of the part in Vericut, time study for lead time analysis, and material review. After the design review is completed, the sales team will discuss our findings and provide recommendations and pricing with accurate lead times.
5 AXIS / 3 AXIS. When it comes to 3D routers, we offer two types of machining services: 5-axis and 3 axis routing. 5-axis routing of parts is implemented when the part has an undercut or double curve. We utilize 5-axis routing equipment when the z-height exceeds 8 inches, the height constraint on our 3 axis router. The 5th axis offers flexibility to our programmers as the machine head has the ability to remain perpendicular to the face it is routing, an important feature that produces a high end finish on the surface of the part. 3-axis milling rapidly produces parts and operates in a raster pattern. When 3-axis machining is implemented, the part is typically fabricated from a standard sheet good. In either scenario, the machine centers router a variety of materials such as plastics/composites, aluminum, all types of foam and wood.
COST. Many factors come into play when considering the expense to fabricate a part. Our technical sales team will review the complexity and size of the part, material choice and availability, repetition or volume production, design (programming time and file preparation) and precision. The cost of the part is based on all of the factors noted. We will offer design assistance to reduce the fabrication costs if possible and talk through with you the pricing and how it was developed.
LIMITATION. As noted earlier, we virtually have no limitation We are like no other router shop. Our router footprints are significant and we utilize state of the art equipment. The largest machine on hand is the Thermwood M70 that operates an overhead 5-axis CNC router head with a working footprint of 10' wide x 15' long and 4' of vertical lift. The Thermwood M67 completes our 5-axis router suit with an operating footprint of either twin 5' wide x 10' long moving tables or combined 10' wide x 10' long moving table and 3' of vertical lift. We offer one 3-axis router, the Thermwood C45, with a working footprint of 5' wide x 10' long and 10" of vertical lift. We are setup to produce parts when operators have gone home for the day limiting the cost to fabricate the parts with longer processing times.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
What is CNC? Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is the automation of machine tools by means of computers executing pre-programmed sequences of machine control commands.
Do I need to provide materials? It is acceptable to provide materials, but not necessary. We will source the materials necessary to fabricate your project by leveraging our relationships to insure you receive the best pricing.
Can you develop/create a file for me? Although it is preferred that a file be provided, we do offer design services and assistance and can generate working models.
What is 5-axis on a CNC machine? The term 5-axis references the number of directions in which the cutting tool can move. The cutting tools in the x, y, and z linear axes and rotates on the A and B axes.
Why is CNC important? One reason for using CNC machining for production is efficiency. Since computers are used to control machines, it means that all major operations of production can be automated to increase speed and quality of manufacturing. Another reason CNC machining is beneficial for manufacturing is its accuracy.
What is a part program? The part program is a sequence of instructions, which describe the work, which has to be done on a part, in the form required by a computer under the control of computer numerical control (CNC) software. It is the task of preparing a program sheet from a drawing sheet. All data is fed into the CNC system using a standardized format. Programming is where all the machining data are compiled and where the data are translated into a language which can be understood by the control system of the machine tool.
To learn more, check out our website at www.scottsystem.com.