| The development of computer numeric controlled | | | | lettering styles and a graphical logo. Having |
| (CNC) routing, using affordable personal | | | | launched OSS Draw, the first step is to draw a |
| computers has already begun to revolutionise all | | | | box or boarder on the screen to indicate the |
| aspects of the woodworking industry. In so doing | | | | overall area of the work. This can be either a |
| it has created new opportunities for large and | | | | simple rectangular boarder or a more decorative |
| small businesses as well as for individual | | | | one. This border then needs to have a depth |
| craftsmen. | | | | assigned to it. This is done by using colours to |
| CNC is a technique whereby the movement of a | | | | define the depth of each area. |
| router head is controlled by instructions from a | | | | The logo is then created using the drawing tools |
| computer. These instructions come from a | | | | within OSS Draw. The words are keyed in using |
| computer program or list that the user keys into | | | | the text function. Again, colours are assigned to |
| the CNC 860 console or into a computer as ISO | | | | each area to produce a graphical representation |
| standard commands called 'G' codes.As an | | | | of how the finished sign will look. The next task is |
| example, the code G01 X100 Y100, instructs the | | | | to define the routing parameters. In the example, |
| head to move in a straight line to a point | | | | the red and blue areas of the logo and the |
| horizontally and vertically 100mm away from its | | | | lettering have been assigned a depth of 5mm and |
| starting position. | | | | the green area assigned a depth of zero. The |
| The CNC 860 The Trend CNC package is based | | | | same dialogue box lets you specify whether a |
| around the Elu/DeWalt CNC 860 Machining Centre, | | | | letter or object is engraved or routed through the |
| which has a machining area of 860mm x 860mm | | | | material. The cutter profile that will be used can |
| x 90mm. These dimensions relate to the three | | | | now be defined. With lettering, particularly serifed |
| axes, X,Y and Z (width, length and height). Each | | | | fonts, the cutter used needs to have a small |
| axis is served by a separate stepper motor, | | | | diameter, perhaps 3mm. However, to achieve a |
| controlling the movement of the routing head. | | | | 5mm cutting depth this will have to be routed in |
| Two head options are offered: a modified | | | | several passes. |
| portable router or a continuously rated, high cycle | | | | A simulation of the cutting path is now drawn on |
| motor, that provides improved performance for | | | | screen. Having then created a G-code file of the |
| intensive machining applications. | | | | sign ready for the CNC 860 to cut, the file is |
| Programming directly in G-codes through the | | | | downloaded to the CNC 860. The design can now |
| console can be time consuming. To assist the | | | | be routed, the material being held on the bed by |
| operator, a PC software application called CNCTalk | | | | an adaptable clamping mechanism. From the |
| is included with the machine. This is a basic | | | | simulation, the path that the tool will take is |
| computer aided design (CAD) application which | | | | known allowing a datum point to be set using the |
| runs under DOS, the original PC operating system | | | | zero key on the console, and the program 8 |
| before Windows. It is useful for intermediate | | | | INProfile is run using the start key. This type of |
| applications like cutting out irregular shapes. | | | | routing operation takes around 20 minutes to |
| However, to gain the maximum versatility from | | | | complete and requires no further involvement by |
| the CNC 860,Trend's Open Sign System | | | | the machine operator. Other accessories |
| Software for Windows is the most effective | | | | Sign-writing is just one of the many complex and |
| solution. | | | | wide ranging routing operations that can be |
| OSS consists of two separate software | | | | carried out using the OSS and CNC 860 package. |
| applications: OSS Draw which provides the | | | | OSS also has a range of tools for drawing |
| drawing tools to create any shape or sign, and | | | | component shapes and profiles directly or with an |
| OSS Work which handles all the routing and | | | | electronic sketchpad (graphics tablet). Vacuum |
| tooling-related parameters like depth and offset. | | | | Clamping To reduce the through-put time for this |
| Graphical simulations are shown for all tool | | | | kind of operation, the CNC 860 can also be used |
| parameters enabling the user to perfect a design | | | | with a vacuum bed. Trend offer a complete range |
| before routing any material. | | | | of affordable vacuum pumps and jigmaking |
| Sign-writing As an example of how these | | | | accessories to enable all CNC users to produce a |
| products work together, the method of producing | | | | highly automated production system to suit their |
| a simple sign is shown, incorporating two different | | | | own specific requirements. |